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 affects not just reproductive health services, but also critical programs for HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention, maternal health, and childhood disease prevention. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025

Gilead is a leader in HIV treatment and prevention having developed 12 medications for the disease. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025

Although the California governor called for serious changes to happen in wildfire combat and prevention, Gibson called out Newsom’s plan. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025

The first is and underwater underwater dredging machine which is remotely operated to dredge the river floor for marine and ecosystem studies, disaster prevention, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and eventually underwater mining. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 24 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