Word
prophylactic
Phoneticspro·phy·lac·tic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹɑfɪˈɫæktɪk/
UK/pɹˌɒfɪlˈæktɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something used to prevent a disease or a problem before it starts. It is often used to talk about medicine or protection that keeps you healthy.
n. a medicine or course of action used to prevent disease or unwanted consequences. Often used in medical contexts to refer to preventative treatments or devices.
Examples
“The doctor prescribed a prophylactic to prevent infection.”
“Regular exercise and a balanced diet serve as a prophylactic against many chronic health conditions.”
“In public health, the distribution of clean water is the most effective prophylactic against the spread of waterborne diseases in developing regions.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor prescribed a prophylactic to prevent infection.”
contextual
“Regular exercise and a balanced diet serve as a prophylactic against many chronic health conditions.”
complex
“In public health, the distribution of clean water is the most effective prophylactic against the spread of waterborne diseases in developing regions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prophylactic” in context.
Verb
01. administer prophylactic
“Doctors decided to administer a prophylactic to prevent post-operative infection.”
verb + noun
02. prescribe prophylactic
“The specialist may prescribe a prophylactic if you are traveling to a high-risk area.”
verb + noun
03. prophylactic fails
“In rare cases, the prophylactic fails if the patient has a compromised immune system.”
noun + verb
04. prophylactic works
“The prophylactic works by stimulating the immune system before exposure occurs.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. chemical prophylactic
“The military explored various chemical prophylactics to protect soldiers from nerve agents.”
adj + noun
06. effective prophylactic
“The drug proved to be an effective prophylactic against the seasonal flu.”
adj + noun
07. oral prophylactic
“Patients were prescribed a daily oral prophylactic to manage their chronic migraines.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. course of prophylactic
“He completed a short course of the prophylactic after being exposed to the bacteria.”
noun + prep + noun
09. use of prophylactic
“The widespread use of the prophylactic has significantly lowered infection rates.”
noun + prep + noun
10. act as a prophylactic
“These measures act as a prophylactic against future financial crises.”
11. prophylactic against infection
“The vaccine is a highly recommended prophylactic against infection for the elderly.”
12. serve as a prophylactic
“Regular exercise can serve as a prophylactic against many age-related illnesses.”
Usage
Often used as a noun to refer to a specific preventative measure, but can also function as an adjective describing such measures.
Real-World Examples
“In medicine, prevention is almost always preferable to treatment: Vaccines and other prophylactic measures are less expensive, and can be planned in advance.” Etymology
From Latin prophylacticus, derived from the Ancient Greek προφυλακτικός (prophulaktikós). The term has maintained its structural integrity across both languages as a formal designation for the act of guarding against something in advance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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