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

His reelection campaign also emphasizes gun violence prevention, consumer protections and reproductive rights. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

While carrots have more solid support from human data for cancer prevention, initial research suggests that sweet potatoes, especially purple varieties, may show promising anticancer potential. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026

Because the entire system is rewarded by doing more, investments in prevention are financially irrational. — Paul Markovich, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

The leader of a South Side violence prevention organization was killed outside his south suburban office late Saturday, according to a Chicago alderman and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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