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

Now in its third edition, the event raises money for F Cancer’s early detection, prevention and psychosocial initiatives. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026

Abagnale committed check fraud, theft, and forgery, and later became a fraud-prevention specialist. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Berry has been a vocal supporter for victims of domestic violence and a volunteer at the Jenesse Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to domestic violence intervention and prevention. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

He is also credited with establishing the Glencoe Public Safety Foundation, a nonprofit created to support crime prevention and emergency response enhancements within the village. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 1 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