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

Their wide-ranging benefits include cancer prevention and a reduced risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. —Kathi Valeii Published, Verywell Health, 13 Nov. 2025

The model is gaining attention across Wisconsin as a potential tool for suicide prevention and community building. —Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Some Republicans have shown interest in addressing the subsidies, but want to institute reforms like fraud prevention and income caps. —Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 12 Nov. 2025

The group is an affiliate of nonprofit Erika's Lighthouse, which provides free depression education and suicide prevention curriculum to schools across the country. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

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