prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven(t)-shən 

: the act of preventing or hindering

Synonyms of prevention

• avoidance
• prohibition

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

Another 5% of the revenue would go to qualifying nonprofit organizations for wildfire prevention, while 45% would go to local fire agencies. — Haley Parsley october 12, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

The day is meant to both raise awareness of and celebrate the titular groundbreaking HIV-prevention medication. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026

Elevate your legs This zero-cost prevention tactic simply counteracts the force of gravity. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

The renowned suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people bestowed the annual award on the pop star for her advocacy for the community and mental health. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026

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