prophylaxis

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

/ ˌproʊ fəˈlæk sɪs, ˌprɒf ə- /

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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.

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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

Words nearby prophylaxis

prophetess, prophetic, Prophets, prophylactic, prophylactically, prophylaxis, propine, propinquity, propionaldehyde, propionate, propionibacteria

How to use prophylaxis in a sentence

Currently, the state only offers post-exposure prophylaxis, vaccines implemented after an individual comes into contact with a virus.
As monkeypox spreads, Delaware looks to expand vaccine access|Jack Walker|August 9, 2022|Washington Blade
A study that took place in Brazil that found incredible benefits of ivermectin as prophylaxis also failed to withstand scrutiny.
How bad research clouded our understanding of Covid-19|Kelsey Piper|December 17, 2021|Vox
For example, both of those countries played big roles in our studies of pre-exposure prophylaxis.
HIV research sped development of COVID vaccine|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|June 23, 2021|Washington Blade
They want to make it easier to get a hold of pre-exposure prophylaxis.
HIV research sped development of COVID vaccine|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|June 23, 2021|Washington Blade

They must be approached by what physicians call prophylaxis—that is, by methods of sanitation and prevention.
The Practical Garden-Book|C. E. Hunn
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
Long-named organizations exist for moral prophylaxis and for the prevention of cruelty to children and animals.
Society|Henry Kalloch Rowe
But, surely, one day science will succeed in doing so; that will be chiefly through prophylaxis and rational hygiene.
Life of Elie Metchnikoff, 1845-1916|Olga Metchnikoff

British Dictionary definitions for prophylaxis

prophylaxis

/ (ˌprɒfɪˈlæksɪs) /

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

prophylaxis

Origin of prophylaxis

Words nearby prophylaxis

Words related to prophylaxis

How to use prophylaxis in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prophylaxis