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

Recently, revenue forecasts have been positive, with the state Senate and Assembly both citing a short-term revenue surge as a reason to resist some cuts to education, homelessness prevention and home health services suggested by Newsom in January. —Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026

Hormonal birth control is a pregnancy prevention method using synthetic hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle and stop ovulation. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026

The country’s skincare philosophy now centers on prevention, collagen stimulation and non-invasive treatments designed to create smooth, luminous skin. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026

If prevention fails, consider a professional inspection and treatment from a professional. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 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