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

On-site clinicians, rapid assessments, suicide prevention protocols, and alternatives to isolation help reduce assaults on staff and self-harm by inmates. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

His experience in internal medicine, longevity medicine, obesity medicine, and frontline pandemic care shaped CR8 Health’s emphasis on prevention, metabolic health, and sustainable results. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

House State Planning and Community Affairs Committee meets to discuss House Bill 689, which would establish a homelessness prevention program. —Adam Beam, AJC.com, 19 Feb. 2026

This includes efforts to defeat candidates who advocate for comprehensive regulation covering workforce impacts, children’s safety, data protection, and deepfake prevention. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 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