prophylaxis

[proh-fuh-lak-sis, prof-uh-]

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noun

Medicine/Medical.

the preventing of disease.
the prevention of a specific disease, as by studying the biological behavior, transmission, etc., of its causative agent and applying a series of measures against it.

prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Origin of prophylaxis

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek pro- pro-² + phýlaxis a watching, guarding, equivalent to phylak- (base of phylássein to guard) + -sis -sis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for prophylaxis

sanitation, prevention, treatment

Examples from the Web for prophylaxis

Historical Examples of prophylaxis

The prophylaxis of yellow-fever is suggested by means of static electricity.
Makers of Electricity
Brother Potamian
Only in this way is the prophylaxis of arteriosclerosis possible.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:
Louis Marshall Warfield
Undoubtedly the most important phase of it is in prophylaxis.
Psychotherapy
James J. Walsh
Prophylaxis of the habit is an ethical question that we can scarcely do justice to here.
Psychotherapy
James J. Walsh
In prophylaxis of the family the first indication is to stop the production of degenerates.
Degeneracy
Eugene S. Talbot

British Dictionary definitions for prophylaxis

prophylaxis

noun

the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread

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

Word Origin and History for prophylaxis

"preventive treatment of disease," 1746, Modern Latin, from Greek pro (see pro-) + phylaxis "a watching, guarding" (see prophylactic).

prophylaxis in Medicine

prophylaxis

[prō′fə-lăk′sĭs, prŏf′ə-]

n. pl. pro•phy•lax•es (-lăk′sēz′)

Prevention of or protective treatment for disease.