prophylactic
Americanadjective
-
defending or protecting from disease or infection, as a drug.
-
preventive or protective.
noun
-
Medicine/Medical. a prophylactic medicine or measure.
-
a preventive.
-
a device, usually a rubber sheath, used to prevent conception or venereal infection; condom.
adjective
-
protecting from or preventing disease
-
protective or preventive
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prophylactic
First recorded in 1565–75; from Greek prophylaktikós “of guarding,” equivalent to prophylak- (base of prophylássein “to guard beforehand”) + -tikos -tic; see prophylaxis
Explanation
Prophylactic might sound like a prehistoric period when dinosaurs roamed the earth, but it actually describes something that can prevent something negative, such as disease. Prophylactic surgery to remove a mole can prevent skin cancer. If you want to avoid getting sick, you can get a vaccine, take medicine, or have surgery — all of which are considered prophylactic measures. Delve deeper into the history of this four-syllable word and you'll find the Greek term prophulaktikos, which means to "guard before." Prophylactic can also describe a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This use of the word started because condoms, which are prophylactics, were originally designed to prevent disease, not pregnancy.
Vocabulary lists containing prophylactic
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020) Tribute List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Be More Chill
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Gene
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prophylactic circumcision has become an established medical procedure in many African countries.
From Economist • Jul. 21, 2016
Prophylactic vaccines against well-defined pathogens are a walk in the...”
From Forbes • Aug. 4, 2011
Prophylactic offered one of Mr. Einson's puzzles with every toothbrush it sold.
From Time Magazine Archive
On many Prophylactic toothbrushes has been spread toothpaste made by the Lambert Co.
From Time Magazine Archive
Prophylactic injection of tetanus antitoxin may be indicated.
From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
