prophylactic

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​phy·​lac·​tic ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce prophylactic (audio)
also
ˌprä- How to pronounce prophylactic (audio)
1
: guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2
: tending to prevent or ward off : preventive
prophylactically adverb

prophylactic

2 of 2

noun

: something prophylactic
especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception

Examples of prophylactic in a Sentence

Adjective the prophylactic use of antibiotics the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
As a result, members of the latter group might consider a prophylactic mastectomy, whereas for others, the benefits of surgery are unlikely to outweigh the drawbacks. Amanda Montañez, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2024 In Maria, the 49-year-old actress returns to portray opera icon Maria Callas, which marks Jolie’s first major film appearance following her decision to undergo a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction in 2013 due to her BRCA1 gene mutation and elevated risk of breast cancer. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
May your heat protectants be as effective as your prophylactics — that is, around 98% when used perfectly. Rachel Krause, refinery29.com, 9 Apr. 2024 By a similar token, particular scents were understood to be curative or prophylactic. Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for prophylactic 

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin prophylacticus, borrowed from Greek prophylaktikós, from prophylakt-, stem in nominal derivation of prophylássein "to keep guard before a place, be on guard, (middle voice) to be on one's guard against, take precautions against" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at prophylaxis

Noun

borrowed from Late Latin prophylacticon "protective measure against disease," borrowed from Late Greek prophylaktikón, noun derivative from neuter of Greek prophylaktikós prophylactic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prophylactic was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near prophylactic

Cite this Entry

“Prophylactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prophylactic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prophylactic

1 of 2 adjective
pro·​phy·​lac·​tic ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce prophylactic (audio)
1
: guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2
: tending to prevent or ward off

prophylactic

2 of 2 noun
: something prophylactic
especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing infection or pregnancy

Medical Definition

prophylactic

1 of 2 adjective
pro·​phy·​lac·​tic
ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik also ˌpräf-ə-
1
: guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
prophylactic therapy
2
: tending to prevent or ward off : preventive
prophylactically adverb

prophylactic

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a medicinal preparation) that is prophylactic
especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception

Legal Definition

prophylactic

adjective
pro·​phy·​lac·​tic ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik, ˌprä- How to pronounce prophylactic (audio)
: designed or tending to prevent harm or wrong
a prophylactic rule against profiting from inside information

More from Merriam-Webster on prophylactic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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