contraception

American  

[kon-truh-sep-shuhn] / ˌkɒn trəˈsɛp ʃən /

noun

1. the deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control.

   Patients in this study must agree to practice contraception for the duration of their participation.

2. a drug, technique, or device used to deliberately prevent conception or impregnation.

   You can also request free contraception by undergoing a simple, secure online consultation.

   Hormonal contraception, like any other medication, can interact with other drugs being taken.

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contraception British  

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural means. Artificial methods in common use include preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum (using condoms, diaphragms, etc), inhibiting ovulation (using oral contraceptive pills), preventing implantation (using intrauterine devices), killing the sperm (using spermicides), and preventing the sperm from entering the seminal fluid (by vasectomy). Natural methods include the rhythm method and coitus interruptus Compare birth control family planning

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contraception Cultural  

1. Any practice that serves to prevent conception during sexual activity.

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Etymology

Origin of contraception

First recorded in 1885–90; contra- ¹ ( def. ) + (con)ception

Explanation

Contraception is birth control, to put it bluntly; the general term for the use of a number of devices or acts that prevent impregnation during intercourse. The word is formed by mashing together the Latin word contra, meaning "against" and a shortened form of the old French word concepcion, meaning "conception" — in other words: "against conception." Like so many scientific terms it was first coined in the nineteenth century, when the science of birth control was beginning to be seriously considered. Contraceptives — birth control devices — that had been around in cruder forms, began to be mass-produced and eventually socially accepted.

Example Sentences

In the 70-page document, there is no mention of contraception except once, where it’s mentioned within the context of “reducing overmedicalization in health care.”

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Notably, a major role of Title X funding is providing family planning services, including contraception.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

The FDA approved the pill for contraception in 1960, although women had access to it for years through a regulatory workaround.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Additionally, a review of several studies last year found that negative side effects are discussed "much more frequently" on social media than benefits of contraception.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Specialists are so busy with their own particular subjects and general practitioners are so taken up with their daily routine that they cannot give to the problem of contraception the attention it must have.

From Woman and the New Race by Sanger, Margaret

Related Words

• abstinence
• condom
• contraceptive
• diaphragm
• family planning
• pill
• vasectomy