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

In Santa Clara County, officials have launched a homeless prevention program providing direct cash assistance to families at risk of homelessness. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

The same Traliant survey that found harassment is still very common also found that 28% of employees don’t feel fully protected despite 77% of organizations saying prevention is a high priority. — Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

However, early studies suggest that snail mucin may help with skin hydration, wound repair, cell turnover, and the prevention of infections and skin cancer. — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 July 2026

Second, researchers have shifted focus from late-life intervention to midlife prevention. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 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