prophylactic

¹pro·phy·lac·tic

adj \ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik also ˌprä-\

Definition of PROPHYLACTIC

1

: guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection

2

: tending to prevent or ward off : preventive

— pro·phy·lac·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PROPHYLACTIC

1. the prophylactic use of antibiotics
2. <the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster>

Origin of PROPHYLACTIC

Greek prophylaktikos, from prophylassein to be on guard, from pro- before + phylassein to guard, from phylak-, phylax guard

First Known Use: 1574

Related to PROPHYLACTIC

Synonyms: precautionary, preventative, preventive

Related Words: deterrent, deterring; negating, neutralizing, nullifying; baffling, balking, foiling, frustrating, thwarting; blocking, hampering, hindering, impeding, retardant, stalling

Near Antonyms: abetting, aiding, assisting; easing, facilitating, smoothing; encouraging, forwarding, fostering, furthering, nurturing, promoting

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Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic