prophylaxis — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The role of statins in prophylaxis for cardiovascular disease is well supported by the medical literature.

2. The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease. The cleaning of a patient's teeth.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • sometimes
   • specifically
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   prophydental

   Examples

   We did his semiannual prophylaxis today, and his teeth and gums were found to be healthy.

3. The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease. Protective measures against acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • sometimes
   • specifically
   • Uncountable

4. Action that works to prevent some bad outcome.

   Usage

   • broadly
   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The central bankers viewed these moves as prophylaxis against inflation.

5. Action that works to prevent some bad outcome. A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic.

   Usage

   • broadly
   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. the prevention of disease

   Broader terms

   preventionbar