prophylaxis

1. (countable, uncountable)The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease.

   The role of statins in prophylaxis for cardiovascular disease is well supported by the medical literature.

   Prophylaxe, Vorbeugung

   профила́ктикаprofiláktika

   профіла́ктикаprofiláktyka

   the prevention of disease

2. The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease.

   (countable, sometimes, specifically, uncountable)The cleaning of a patient's teeth.

   We did his semiannual prophylaxis today, and his teeth and gums were found to be healthy.

3. (countable, sometimes, specifically, uncountable)Protective measures against acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.

4. (broadly, countable, uncountable)Action that works to prevent some bad outcome.

   The central bankers viewed these moves as prophylaxis against inflation.

5. Action that works to prevent some bad outcome.

   (broadly, countable, uncountable)A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic.

irregular