Definition of prophylactic
1 : guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection
2 : tending to prevent or ward off : preventive
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of prophylactic in a Sentence
the prophylactic use of antibiotics
the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster
Recent Examples of prophylactic from the Web
-
Last year, the District began the nation’s first campaign to encourage black women to begin taking the prophylactic drug known as PrEP, which drastically cuts the risk of contracting HIV.
-
At UNC Medical Center, Hales received a series of blood tests, took prophylactic antibiotics, and went through the process of completing a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) report that documented her physical injuries.
-
The search resulted not in a miraculous new weapon but a program of simulated brainwashing designed as a prophylactic against enemy mistreatment.
-
The Emoluments Clause was a prophylactic approach: if government officials never accept anything of value from foreigners, then there’s no ambiguity about whether such gifts are influencing them.
-
All of the Alabama linemen take part in what is known as prophylactic bracing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prophylactic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of prophylactic
Greek prophylaktikos, from prophylassein to be on guard, from pro- before + phylassein to guard, from phylak-, phylax guard
prophylactic
Definition of prophylactic
: something prophylactic; especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception
Recent Examples of prophylactic from the Web
-
The probiotics build up healthy bacteria in your gut and the Pepto-Bismol acts as a prophylactic that coats your digestive track like a protective sleeve and can help filter out organisms in contaminated water or food.
-
Many places in Asia, South America, and Africa require malaria prophylactics.
-
Education, prophylactics, and drugs like PrEP have cut down its transmission.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prophylactic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of prophylactic
circa 1641
PROPHYLACTIC Defined for English Language Learners
prophylactic
playDefinition of prophylactic for English Language Learners
-
medical : designed to prevent disease
prophylactic
Definition of prophylactic for English Language Learners
-
medical : something that is designed to prevent the spread of disease or infection
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of prophylactic
1: guarding from or preventing the spread or occurrence of disease or infection prophylactic therapy
2: tending to prevent or ward off : preventive
prophylactic
Medical Definition of prophylactic
: something (as a medicinal preparation) that is prophylactic; especially : a device and especially a condom for preventing venereal infection or conception
Law Dictionary
prophylactic
playLegal Definition of prophylactic
: designed or tending to prevent harm or wrong a prophylactic rule against profiting from inside information
Learn More about prophylactic
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prophylactic Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prophylactic
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up prophylactic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!