Prophylactic

usgb/ˌprəʊfəˈlæktɪk/
adjective

Used to prevent disease.

She is taking prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.
Visual representation of "prophylactic" - Used to prevent disease.

Often appears as...

  • prophylactic antibiotics
  • prophylactic use

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Technical

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "prophylactic"
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Disease Prevention

Used when aiming to stop diseases before they start, particularly in medicine.

Illustration for Disease Prevention
Doctors recommend prophylactic vitamins during flu season.
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Not a Cure

It's for preventing disease, not treating it once you have symptoms.

Illustration for Not a Cure
Taking prophylactic measures now can save you trouble later.
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Beyond Medicine

Can refer to any action taken in anticipation to prevent harm.

Illustration for Beyond Medicine
Applying sunscreen is a prophylactic approach against sunburn.
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Compare with

anticipatorydefensivedeterrentprecautionarypreventiveprophylaxisprotective
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Visual representation of the word "Prophylactic"

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