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.
Think housing, hospitals, schools, clean energy, water, transportation, wildfire prevention and broadband. — Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026 The 2026 Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome Guideline now explicitly recognizes pregnancy complications, as well as premature menopause, as one of the factors that can inform personalized prevention. — Sadiya S. Khan, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 Most heart issues happen at this stage, so Khan says prevention is even more important. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 Four stand out The first, providing housing and economic support for survivors, is critical for prevention. — Michele Decker, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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