Dictionary

antilife en · ADJ

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₂énts Proto-Indo-European *-i Proto-Indo-European *h₂énti Ancient Greek ᾰ̓ντῐ́ (ăntĭ́) Ancient Greek ἀντι- (anti-)der. English anti- Proto-Indo-European *leyp- Proto-Germanic *lībanąder. Proto-Germanic *lībą Proto-West Germanic *līb Old English līf Middle English lyf English life English antilife From anti- + life.

Meanings

1. (US, derogatory) pro-choice
2. (derogatory) antinatalist; supporting the use of contraception to space or limit births
   • While praising positive developments in family life, the Pope, who has taken a firm, conservative line on many social issues, said he "could not fail to draw attention to the negative phenomena." In particular, he cited "a corruption of the idea and experience of freedom, with consequent self-centeredness in human relations; serious misconceptions regarding the relationship between parents and children; the growing number of divorces; the scourge of abortion; the spread of a contraceptive and antilife mentality." 1982 June 1, “Pope Speaks on the Sanctity of Marriage”, in The New York Times:
   • A Roman Catholic says there is a trend nowadays to downgrade the family, making parents who are not limiting their families feel guilty. Rev. John C. Knight, speaking Monday night at the 28th National Catholic Family Life convention, said "there is an antilife campaign abroad in the land." 1962 June 26, “Roman Catholic Sees Trend To Downgrade Large Family”, in Lawrence Journal-World:
3. (derogatory) Supporting the death penalty in a particular case or in general.
4. Opposing the preservation of life in a particular situation
   • Somewhat too neatly, Johnson divides his characters into pro- and antilife factions[…]. 1988 January 22, Lawrence Bommer, “Cries From the Mammal House”, in Chicago Reader:

Forms

Deriveds

antilifer

Translations (1)

pt antivida (opposing the preservation of life)