杀毒

• Pinyin: shā dú
• Hanzi breakdown: 杀 = kill; 毒 = 毒 (poison) composed of 龶 + 母

Meaning

To remove viruses; antivirus; virus scanning.

A computing term referring to the process of detecting and removing computer viruses or malware. Often used as a verb (to scan for viruses) or as part of compound nouns like 杀毒软件 (antivirus software). Essential vocabulary in digital security contexts.

Examples

1. 电脑最近运行很慢，你先杀毒试试看。 The computer has been running slowly lately — try running an antivirus scan first.
2. 记得定期用杀毒软件扫描一下，防止中病毒。 Remember to scan regularly with antivirus software to prevent getting infected.
3. 这个杀毒程序可以自动更新病毒库。 This antivirus program can automatically update its virus database.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, computing

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 你装杀毒软件了吗？(Have you installed antivirus software?)
• 我正在给电脑杀毒。(I'm running a virus scan on the computer.)

Don't Say

• 医生帮我杀毒 — in medical contexts, don't use 杀毒; this term is only for computers. Use 治疗/消毒 for medical situations

Origin & History

Modern compound from 杀 (kill) + 毒 (poison/virus), literally meaning 'to kill viruses.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal