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

The NHS says commonly reported side effects of hormonal contraception include headaches, feeling sick, mood swings, weight gain, sore breasts and acne, but that side effects usually get better with time.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

It also says that hormonal contraception can raise the risk of blood clots and breast cancer, but that the risk is "very low".

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Cornell University scientists have taken a major step toward developing a safe, reversible, long-acting and 100% effective nonhormonal male contraceptive, considered the holy grail of male contraception.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Patrick Kinemo, country director of MSI Tanzania, told Salon that Tanzania was expecting to receive a significant portion of the $9.7m worth of USAID-funded contraception supplies.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

And because today superstition keeps the priceless knowledge of contraception from the vast majority of women, these crude, savage methods still prevail, and we have our million abortions a year in the United States.

From The Book of Life by Sinclair, Upton

Related Words

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