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

This winter, 19 paintings depicting Smokey Bear — the iconic symbol of the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire prevention campaign — will be on display at four Will County nature sites. —Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

Six California lawmakers voted against wildfire prevention funding ahead of several wildfires in the state which have killed at least 24 people. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Homeless prevention efforts can’t happen without a shelter, advocates say. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025

Well, speaking of that, Republican Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville and House Speaker Mike Johnson have suggested or even just flat out said the disaster aid to California should be conditional, determined around changing policies on wildfire prevention. —Obed Manuel, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025

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