Prevention

Definition

Prevention refers to "the action of stopping something from happening or arising."

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈvɛnʃən/
• Respelling: prih-VEN-shuhn (with "prih" as in "prism," "VEN" as in "vent," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈvɛnʃən/
• Respelling: prih-VEN-shuhn (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," "VEN" as in "vent," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

In both dialects, "prevention" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "VEN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "VEN" part.

Etymology

"Prevention" stems from the Latin word "praeventio", from "praevenire" which means "to come before". It comprises "prae-", meaning "before", and "venire", meaning "to come".

Derivatives

• Preventive
• Preventer
• Preventable
• Preventively
• Unprevented

Synonyms

• Avoidance
• Deterrence
• Prophylaxis

Antonyms

• Inducement
• Cause
• Instigation

Usage

"Prevention" commonly refers to measures taken to stop something undesirable, such as a disease or accident, from happening. It underscores the principle that taking early action can mitigate or eliminate potential negative outcomes.

Related Terms

• Inhibition
• Protection
• Safeguard
• Preemptive
• Countermeasure

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The act or practice of hindering or stopping something bad from happening.
• Example: "Disease prevention includes actions taken to avoid outbreaks."

• A strategy or approach designed to prevent the occurrence of an event or reduce its impact.
• Example: "The city has taken new prevention measures to decrease traffic accidents."