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prevention

American  
[pri-ven-shuhn] / prɪˈvɛn ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of preventing; effectual hindrance.

  2. a preventive.

    This serum is a prevention against disease.


prevention British  
/ prɪˈvɛnʃən /

noun

  1. the act of preventing

  2. a hindrance, obstacle, or impediment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonprevention noun

Etymology

Origin of prevention

1520–30; < Late Latin praeventiōn- (stem of praeventiō ) a forestalling. See prevent, -ion

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.

Autism researchers and advocates are working toward developing better screening tools, safety plans, therapies and prevention strategies.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

This period offers an important window for prevention and early support.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Gilead, for one, doesn’t have to worry about its competitive positioning in HIV treatment and prevention.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Among Novartis’s upcoming phase 3 trials, Bank of America is most focused on remibrutinib in relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis and pelacarsen in secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

“We will discuss bullying prevention and conduct exercises to help build bridges between students from different social circles.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan