A1 noun Neutral

prevention

/prɪˈven.ʃən/

The act of stopping something bad from happening before it occurs. In health, it means taking steps like eating well or washing hands to avoid getting sick.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Hand washing is important for the prevention of flu.

Hand washing is important for the prevention of flu.

2

The department is responsible for the prevention of disease.

The department is responsible for the prevention of disease.

3

I drink orange juice for the prevention of colds.

I drink orange juice for the prevention of colds.

Word Family

Noun
prevention
Verb
prevent
Adverb
preventively
Adjective
preventable
Related
preventative
💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Pre' means 'before'. Prevention is doing something 'before' a problem happens.

Quick Quiz

Doctors say that the ___ of heart disease starts with a healthy diet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prevention

Examples

1

Hand washing is important for the prevention of flu.

everyday

Hand washing is important for the prevention of flu.

2

The department is responsible for the prevention of disease.

formal

The department is responsible for the prevention of disease.

3

I drink orange juice for the prevention of colds.

informal

I drink orange juice for the prevention of colds.

4

Prevention is a key part of modern medicine.

academic

Prevention is a key part of modern medicine.

5

The company invests in the prevention of work accidents.

business

The company invests in the prevention of work accidents.

Word Family

Noun
prevention
Verb
prevent
Adverb
preventively
Adjective
preventable
Related
preventative

Common Collocations

disease prevention disease prevention
fire prevention fire prevention
crime prevention crime prevention
prevention measures prevention measures
accident prevention accident prevention

Common Phrases

prevention is better than cure

prevention is better than cure

an ounce of prevention

an ounce of prevention

accident prevention

accident prevention

Often Confused With

prevention vs protection

Prevention stops something from starting, while protection keeps you safe from something already happening.

prevention vs treatment

Prevention is done before you get sick; treatment is done after you are already sick.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'prevention' as a noun usually followed by the preposition 'of'. It is often used in medical and safety contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the verb 'prevent' when they need the noun 'prevention'. They also sometimes pluralize it as 'preventions', but it is usually uncountable.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Pre' means 'before'. Prevention is doing something 'before' a problem happens.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'praeventio', meaning 'to come before' or 'to hinder'.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun (usually) Followed by the preposition 'of' Often functions as a noun adjunct (e.g., 'prevention program')
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking countries, 'preventative care' is a major focus of the healthcare system to reduce costs.

Quick Quiz

Doctors say that the ___ of heart disease starts with a healthy diet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prevention

More medicine words

surgeon

A1

A surgeon is a specially trained doctor who performs operations on patients. They use tools to cut into the body to repair damage, remove diseased parts, or improve health.

psychologist

A1

A psychologist is a professional who studies the human mind and behavior. They help people understand their feelings and solve emotional problems through talking and therapy.

anesthesiologist

A1

A doctor who gives patients medicine so they do not feel pain during surgery. They also monitor the patient's breathing and heart rate while the patient is asleep during an operation.

cardiologist

A1

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions. They help patients manage heart diseases and issues related to blood vessels.

pediatrician

A1

A pediatrician is a special doctor who looks after the health of babies, children, and teenagers. They help young people stay healthy and treat them when they are sick or injured.

radiologist

A1

A radiologist is a doctor who looks at special pictures like X-rays or MRI scans. They help other doctors understand what is happening inside a patient's body.

gynecologist

A1

A gynecologist is a special doctor who looks after women's health. They specifically help with the female reproductive system and pregnancy.

ophthalmologist

A1

A special doctor who takes care of eyes. They can check your vision, give you medicine for eye problems, and do surgery if needed.

intensive care unit

A1

A special department in a hospital that provides constant medical treatment for people who are very seriously ill or injured. It contains advanced medical equipment and a high ratio of doctors and nurses to patients.

operating room

A1

An operating room is a special room in a hospital where doctors perform medical operations or surgeries. It is a very clean and sterile place filled with lights, monitors, and tools used to help patients.

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