contraindicate
UK[ˌkɒntrəˈɪndɪkeɪt]US[ˌkɑːntrəˈɪndɪkeɪt]
v
to make (a particular treatment or procedure) inadvisable because of a specific condition or risk in a patient.
v
to be a reason against giving a particular drug or treatment.
Morpheme Breakdown
contra
indicate
contra
against
indicate
point out
Etymology
the word 'contraindicate' is a modern medical term formed by combining the latin prefix 'contra-' with the verb 'indicate'. the prefix 'contra-' carries the straightforward sense of opposition or acting against something. the core verb 'indicate' originates from latin 'indicare', itself a compound of 'in-' (toward) and 'dicare' (to proclaim, declare), thus meaning to point something out authoritatively. in medical terminology, to 'indicate' is to point to a condition as suitable for a treatment, so logically, to 'contraindicate' is to point out a condition as being against or opposed to that treatment, signaling that it would be harmful or improper. this construction follows a clear, logical path from the literal meanings of its components to its specialized abstract use in healthcare.
Analysis
Structure: contra (against) + indicate (point out)
contra is a latin prefix meaning "against, opposite." indicate is derived from the latin verb 'indicare', meaning "to point out, show."
Examples
a history of severe allergic reactions may contraindicate the use of that antibiotic.
the patient's liver condition contraindicates further medication with this drug.
pregnancy is a common factor that can contraindicate certain surgical procedures.