rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryprophylaxisDisease prevention
noun

prophylaxis

proh-fuh-LAK-sis/ˌprəʊfəˈlæksɪs/

Treatment or care to prevent disease or infection.

The secured mosquito net provides prophylaxis against insect-borne disease.

A woman secures an intact mosquito bed net around her sleeping space while mosquitoes remain outside the mesh, visibly demonstrating a physical measure that prevents exposure to disease-carrying insects.
Etymology
proGreekbefore
+phylaxisGreekto watch over, guard

The combination of “before” and “guard” presents prevention as standing watch before disease attacks. The noun names the preventive treatment or measures that perform this protective role.

In context

Yaron Brook47:45
we have what's called pre-exposure prophylaxis you can give high-risk people so they don't get infected
Amesh Adalja & Yaron Discuss Covid, Vaccines, Lessons Learned | Yaron Interviews

More examples

  • Dental prophylaxis includes cleaning teeth to help prevent gum disease.
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk of infection after surgery.
  • Travelers to some regions need malaria prophylaxis.

Forms

prophylaxis · prophylaxes

prophylactic adjective — Intended to prevent disease or infection.

Similar words

prevention
Broader term for stopping disease or other unwanted events.