Prevention: meaning, definitions and examples
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prevention
[prɪˈvɛnʃən ]
Definitions
health care
Prevention refers to measures taken to prevent the occurrence of a disease or condition before it occurs. It includes actions aimed at reducing the risk of disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances.
Synonyms
avoidance, precaution, protection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevention |
Used when talking about stopping something from happening, usually in a proactive or systematic manner. Often associated with health, safety, and risk management.
|
| protection |
Used when talking about keeping something safe from harm or danger. Often involves measures taken to guard or defend.
|
| avoidance |
Used when talking about staying away from something or steering clear of a situation. It can sometimes imply evasion or neglect.
|
| precaution |
Used when talking about actions taken in advance to protect against potential danger or harm. Often refers to specific, careful steps.
|
Examples of usage
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for the prevention of heart disease.
- Vaccination is a key strategy for the prevention of infectious diseases.
crime
Prevention in the context of crime refers to efforts to stop criminal activities before they happen. This can involve community programs, law enforcement strategies, and public awareness campaigns.
Synonyms
deterrence, intervention, prohibition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevention |
Use when referring to stopping something harmful or undesirable before it happens.
|
| deterrence |
Use when discussing measures that discourage a particular action, often by instilling fear or doubt.
|
| prohibition |
Use when referring to officially forbidding or banning something, typically through laws or regulations.
|
| intervention |
Use in situations where active involvement is required to alter a course of events, often to stop something harmful.
|
Examples of usage
- Neighborhood watch programs are a common form of crime prevention.
- Installing security cameras is a preventive measure against burglary.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word has roots in the Latin word 'praeventio', meaning 'to come before', highlighting the proactive nature of the concept.
- It emerged in English around the late 14th century, initially used in contexts related to law and decision-making.
- The concept of prevention has been developed in various fields, reflecting a long-standing human desire to reduce risks and improve safety.
Health
- Preventative healthcare practices can reduce the risk of diseases, emphasizing routine check-ups and vaccinations.
- Behavioral approaches, like wearing seatbelts and helmets, are vital preventive measures that save countless lives each year.
- Prevention strategies in mental health focus on early intervention and community support, aiming to reduce the incidence of disorders.
Social Issues
- In public health, campaigns often focus on prevention, aiming to educate communities about avoiding diseases before they spread.
- Certain prevention programs in schools aim to reduce bullying and substance abuse, fostering a safer environment for children.
- Global initiatives like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals include prevention as a key focus to combat poverty, inequality, and environmental issues.
Psychology
- Prevention in psychology emphasizes techniques such as cognitive-behavioral strategies to help individuals avoid negative thoughts and behaviors.
- The 'prevention focus' theory in psychology suggests that people can be motivated by goals of safety and security rather than achievement.
- The idea of 'preemptive coping' involves preparing for potential stressors, allowing individuals to manage anxiety proactively.
Technology
- In cybersecurity, prevention measures are essential to protect against data breaches and hacking attempts before they occur.
- Preventative maintenance in technology ensures that equipment is regularly checked to avoid issues and extend its lifespan.
- Software updates often include preventive patches that address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.
Translations
Translations of the word "prevention" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prevenção
🇮🇳 रोकथाम
🇩🇪 Prävention
🇮🇩 pencegahan
🇺🇦 профілактика
🇵🇱 zapobieganie
🇯🇵 予防 (yobō)
🇫🇷 prévention
🇪🇸 prevención
🇹🇷 önleme
🇰🇷 예방 (yebang)
🇸🇦 منع
🇨🇿 prevence
🇸🇰 prevencia
🇨🇳 预防 (yùfáng)
🇸🇮 preprečevanje
🇮🇸 forvörn
🇰🇿 алдын алу
🇬🇪 პრევენცია
🇦🇿 qarşısının alınması
🇲🇽 prevención