prevention
n.-
1 stopping an event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of stopping something from happening or someone from doing something.
the act of hindering, obstructing, or thwarting an action or event before it occurs.
ExampleThe prevention of crime is the main goal of the local police force.
ExampleEffective crime prevention requires a combination of visible policing and community engagement to address the root causes of local instability.
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2 health and safety (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicineactions taken to keep people healthy and safe from risks.
measures intended to limit health-related risks or hazards through proactive intervention.
ExampleThe doctor focused on disease prevention through a better diet and exercise.
ExamplePublic health initiatives often prioritise the prevention of chronic illnesses over the treatment of acute symptoms to reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- precaution
- prophylaxis
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3 anticipation (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthinking ahead to deal with a problem before it arrives.
the act of anticipating needs, hazards, or risks through forethought.
ExampleWith a little prevention, we can avoid these technical issues next time.
ExampleThe architect's prevention of structural fatigue through redundant support systems ensured the building's longevity in a seismic zone.
- forethought
- precaution
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4 going before (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaicthe act of coming before something else in time.
the state of preceding or going before another in time or order.
ExampleIn the old text, the author speaks of the prevention of one event by another.
ExampleThe theological treatise explored the prevention of grace, using the term in its older sense of a divine action that precedes human will.
From Middle English prevencion, from Medieval Latin prēventiō.