Word
prophylaxis
Phoneticspro·phy·lax·is
UK/pɹˌɒfɪlˈæksɪs/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. treatment or action that stops a disease before it starts, such as a vaccine or preventive medicine.
n. preventive medical treatment or public-health measures taken to avert disease or infection before onset. Contrasted with therapy, which treats disease after it appears.
Examples
“Vaccines provide effective prophylaxis against many diseases.”
“The dentist recommends regular cleaning for prophylaxis against gum disease and tooth decay.”
“Public health officials debated whether widespread antibiotic prophylaxis would prevent an outbreak or accelerate resistance among vulnerable populations.”
Examples
simple
“Vaccines provide effective prophylaxis against many diseases.”
contextual
“The dentist recommends regular cleaning for prophylaxis against gum disease and tooth decay.”
complex
“Public health officials debated whether widespread antibiotic prophylaxis would prevent an outbreak or accelerate resistance among vulnerable populations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prophylaxis” in context.
Verb
01. administer prophylaxis
“Nurses administer prophylaxis intravenously one hour before incision.”
verb + noun
02. benefit from prophylaxis
“Elderly patients in care homes benefit greatly from prophylaxis during outbreaks.”
verb + prep + noun
03. discontinue prophylaxis
“Doctors usually discontinue prophylaxis within 24 hours after surgery.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. antibiotic prophylaxis
“Patients undergoing hip replacement usually receive antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery.”
adj + noun
05. effective prophylaxis
“Vaccination remains the most effective prophylaxis against seasonal influenza.”
adj + noun
06. long-term prophylaxis
“Children with recurrent rheumatic fever often need long-term prophylaxis with penicillin.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. course of prophylaxis
“She completed a full course of prophylaxis before travelling abroad.”
noun + prep + noun
08. duration of prophylaxis
“Researchers debated the optimal duration of prophylaxis after transplantation.”
noun + prep + noun
09. form of prophylaxis
“Vaccination is the most reliable form of prophylaxis available today.”
noun + prep + noun
10. need for prophylaxis
“The surgeon assessed the need for prophylaxis based on infection risk.”
noun + prep + noun
11. discontinue prophylaxis after surgery
“Surgeons typically discontinue prophylaxis after surgery to limit resistance.”
12. initiate post-exposure prophylaxis promptly
“Clinicians must initiate post-exposure prophylaxis promptly after HIV exposure.”
Usage
Plural is 'prophylaxes'.
Real-World Examples
“The agency also received reports from state health departments of increased administration of post-exposure prophylaxis treatments after a possible rabies exposure.” “Trials have begun on some drugs both as treatment and as prophylaxis when given to someone exposed to a Bundibugyo patient.” Etymology
From Latin, from Ancient Greek πρό (pró, “before”) + φύλαξις (phúlaxis, “a watching, guarding”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
Related words
Domain
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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