Prophylactic: meaning, definitions and examples
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prophylactic
[ˌprɒfɪˈlæktɪk ]
Definitions
medical
Intended to prevent disease; protective.
Synonyms
preventative, preventive, protective.
Examples of usage
- Prophylactic measures such as vaccination have greatly reduced the spread of certain diseases.
- Wearing a mask is a prophylactic measure to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections.
medical
A medicine or course of action used to prevent disease.
Synonyms
guard, preventative, preventive.
Examples of usage
- She took a prophylactic before traveling to the malaria-prone region.
- The doctor prescribed prophylactics for the entire village to prevent an outbreak of the virus.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Greek word 'prophylaktikos', which means 'to guard or prevent'.
- The root ‘phylax’ means ‘guard’ or ‘protector’, reflecting its purpose of prevention.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century, emphasizing health and safety.
Health & Medicine
- Condoms are a common example of a prophylactic, used to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
- Vaccines can be considered prophylactics as they help prevent diseases before they occur.
- Malaria prophylactics are medicines taken before traveling to areas where the disease is common, illustrating preventive health measures.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, characters often discuss condoms as a central part of safe sex, which highlights the importance of proactive health measures.
- The phrase 'prophy-lactic' has been humorously featured in stand-up comedy routines about dating and relationships.
- Certain health campaigns use catchy slogans to promote the use of prophylactics in a light-hearted, relatable way to engage audiences.
Psychology
- There’s a psychological aspect to using prophylactics, as they can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety related to health risks.
- Discussion around prophylactics in sexuality can influence young adults’ attitudes and behaviors about safety and health.
- Overcoming stigma related to prophylactic use is essential in promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
Education
- Educational programs about sexual health often include discussions on prophylactics to inform and empower individuals to make safe choices.
- School curriculums around health education frequently emphasize the importance of using prophylactics in preventing diseases.
- Community health workshops provide information about various forms of prophylactics, improving public understanding and acceptance.
Translations
Translations of the word "prophylactic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 profilático
🇮🇳 निवारक (nivaarak)
🇩🇪 prophylaktisch
🇮🇩 profilaksis
🇺🇦 профілактичний
🇵🇱 profilaktyczny
🇯🇵 予防的 (yobō-teki)
🇫🇷 prophylactique
🇪🇸 profiláctico
🇹🇷 profilaktik
🇰🇷 예방의 (yebang-ui)
🇸🇦 وقائي (wiqāʾī)
🇨🇿 profylaktický
🇸🇰 profylaktický
🇨🇳 预防性的 (yùfáng xìng de)
🇸🇮 profilaktičen
🇮🇸 fyrirbyggjandi
🇰🇿 профилактикалық (prophylaktikalyq)
🇬🇪 პროფილაქტიკური (prophylaktikuri)
🇦🇿 profilaktik
🇲🇽 profiláctico