prophylaxis

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

noun

1. Medicine/Medical.
   1. the preventing of disease.
   2. 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.
2. prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.

prophylaxis

/ ˌprɒfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

1. the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophylaxis¹

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

Example Sentences

They must be approached by what physicians call prophylaxis—that is, by methods of sanitation and prevention.

From Project Gutenberg

Undoubtedly the most important phase of it is in prophylaxis.

From Project Gutenberg

Prophylaxis of the habit is an ethical question that we can scarcely do justice to here.

From Project Gutenberg

Long-named organizations exist for moral prophylaxis and for the prevention of cruelty to children and animals.

From Project Gutenberg

But, surely, one day science will succeed in doing so; that will be chiefly through prophylaxis and rational hygiene.

From Project Gutenberg