prevention

noun

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

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 Fowler said the cards will also have the kinds of fraud prevention features found with any debit cards, including the ability to freeze and replace them if cards are lost or stolen. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your pet. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 The paper, published in the Journal of Experimental Criminology, is actually about the value of limited sample sizes (small-n cases) in studying crime prevention. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 Infection prevention measures include rigorous cleaning schedules and sterilization of spaces and equipment that are used for patient care. Kayla Hui, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2024 Crisis pregnancy centers wield shame and guilt as prevention tools. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024 Gun policy and violence prevention experts counter the agency can safeguard data while giving critical information to localities. Emma Tucker, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Over the course of two hours, community members answered questions related to gun violence and listened to experts in violence prevention on ways to proactively approach the issue. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2024 Over the past three years, her non-profit, the Tooley Community Development Group, has been awarded nearly $650,000 to provide STEM education services, case management services, and homeless prevention services not just to Mims, but to all of North Brevard and any residents who need their services. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prevention.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near prevention

Cite this Entry

“Prevention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevention. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prevention

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