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

Organizers say the initiative combines nutrition and education, providing seniors with healthy food options while offering resources about Alzheimer's prevention and brain health. — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to honor the lives lost to suicide, to stand with the families and communities suicide has touched, and to renew our commitment to prevention. — Courtney Marx, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

That evolution has meant responding to changing needs on the ground, while expanding its work across education, HIV prevention, youth safety and support for LGBTQ+ youth. — Lilly Workneh, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Those who are not immunized and were exposed less than a week ago should talk to a healthcare provider about vaccination or immune globulin for prevention. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 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