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

Moore said the plan should focus on prevention and intervention programs for high-risk young people while expanding education and workforce development programs. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Trafficking prevention a priority Much like plans published in other host cities, implementing awareness campaigns surrounding human trafficking prevention was a key point in Kansas City’s. —Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

The evidence on prevention is more actionable than most families realize. —Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Stool tests can also pick up signs of precancerous polyps, and if a stool test is positive, it must be followed up with a colonoscopy, which provides an opportunity for prevention, according to the American Cancer Society. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 May 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