contracept

[kon-truh-sept]

verb (used with object)

1. to prevent the conception of (offspring).

2. to prevent pregnancy or impregnation in; provide with the means for birth control.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contracept¹

First recorded in 1965–70; back formation from contraception

Example Sentences

The scene shows how popular mid-20th-century rhetoric that the cap and diaphragm placed contraception "into women's hands" was unable physically to stop a partner who had no problem removing the barrier, and her desire to contracept, himself.

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“The need for maternal and child health remains, but you can’t contracept your way to maternal and child health.”

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Despite the most diligent attempts to contracept, unwanted pregnancy happens, whether through contraceptive failure, a partner's refusal to cooperate or bad luck.

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“I’m Catholic; we do not contracept,” Ms. Smith said.

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“Young ladies weren’t getting pregnant by themselves, and we felt it was important for the young men to understand what the consequences were when they engaged in sexual behaviors and did not contracept effectively,” she said.

Read more on Time