prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce prevention (audio)
: the act of preventing or hindering

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 Guidelines have changed over time, including recommendations regarding masking, testing, and prevention. Korin Miller, Health, 3 July 2024 Personalized medicine uses a person's genetic profile to guide medical decisions about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 2 July 2024 For Arizona, which ranked 49th overall in disaster readiness, the state earned low scores in covering resilience infrastructure as well as disaster prevention, planning and funding, the report stated. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 2 July 2024 An older adult may already have acquired these secondary illnesses or will have far less lifetime to benefit from the prevention provided by weight loss. Alissa S. Chen, STAT, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for prevention 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prevention.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevention was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prevention

Cite this Entry

“Prevention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevention. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

prevention

noun
pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven-chən How to pronounce prevention (audio)
: the act or practice of preventing something
the prevention of fires

More from Merriam-Webster on prevention

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