prevention

noun

pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce prevention (audio)
Synonyms of prevention
: the act of preventing or hindering

Synonyms of prevention

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Examples of prevention in a Sentence

Exercise and diet play a role in the prevention of heart disease. good crowd control is crucial to the prevention of riots
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tablet combines bictegravir, the backbone of Gilead’s blockbuster HIV pill Biktarvy, with lenacapavir, a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that has become a centerpiece of the company’s long-term strategy for HIV treatment and prevention. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Implement a digital visual-management platform across six facilities to standardize workflows and improve infection prevention, care coordination, workforce effectiveness, quality, and patient safety. — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 The authors note the prevention of shingles might partly explain the association, given the link between shingles and cardiovascular risk. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 After connecting online last year, McCall, Leffler and a third grieving mother named Deborah Royal launched the Seen Movement, a suicide prevention organization advocating for change in systems’ response to people in crisis. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevention

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevention was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing prevention

Rhymes for prevention

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Browse Nearby Words

preventingly
prevention
preventional
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Cite this Entry

“Prevention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevention. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevention

noun
pre·​ven·​tion pri-ˈven-chən How to pronounce prevention (audio)
: the act or practice of preventing something
the prevention of fires
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