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

For decades, the world’s response to climate change has been one of prevention, driven by scientists and diplomats. —Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025

There are also standards about the detention itself, including access to legal counsel, abuse prevention and language access. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025

The new entity, which will be named the Administration for a Healthy America, will coordinate chronic care, disease prevention and health resources for low-income Americans. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

But lawmakers have hesitated to pay for more prevention work through the state budget. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 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

Rhymes for prevention

• attention
• contention
• convention
• declension
• detention
• dimension
• dissension
• distension
• extension
• intension
• invention
• laurentian

Kids Definition

prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven-chən 

: the act or practice of preventing something

the prevention of fires