prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven(t)-shən 

: the act of preventing or hindering

Synonyms

• averting
• forestallment
• precluding

Examples of prevention in a Sentence

Exercise and diet play a role in the prevention of heart disease.

good crowd control is crucial to the prevention of riots

Recent Examples on the Web

Accelerating the development of new drugs and treatments by simulating complex biological interactions to identify personalized precision medicine is a game changer for prevention and treatment. —Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The remarks come nearly three months after Biden signed an executive order focused on gun violence prevention. —Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

Eugene police issued a warning via social media to residents in November, sharing tips for crime prevention and awareness, and have also dedicated a team of officers to investigate those cases, the spokesperson added. —Deena Zaru, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024

There is not yet a price set for the drug when used for HIV prevention. —Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prevention

• an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
• prevention is better than cure

Kids Definition

prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven-chən 

: the act or practice of preventing something

the prevention of fires