prophylactic

American  

[proh-fuh-lak-tik, prof-uh-] / ˌproʊ fəˈlæk tɪk, ˌprɒf ə- /

adjective

1. defending or protecting from disease or infection, as a drug.

2. preventive or protective.

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noun

1. Medicine/Medical. a prophylactic medicine or measure.

2. a preventive.

3. a device, usually a rubber sheath, used to prevent conception or venereal infection; condom.

prophylactic British  

/ ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk /

adjective

1. protecting from or preventing disease

2. protective or preventive

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noun

1. a prophylactic drug or device, esp a condom

Other Word Forms

• prophylactically
  adverb

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.

Example Sentences

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

And in many a medicine chest Prophylactic hairbrushes repose side by side with bottles of Lambert's Listerine and boxes of Lambert's throat tablets.

From Time Magazine Archive

Prophylactic teams, each composed of a specially trained doctor, a nurse and a clerk, will work under Dr. Armstrong's general supervision.

From Time Magazine Archive

Prophylactic vaccination and the prompt isolation of typhoid carriers have largely contributed to the wonderful results obtained but due credit must also be given to the systematic purification and treatment of water supplies.

From Chlorination of Water by Race, Joseph