prophylaxis

[ proh-fuh-lak-sis, prof-uh- ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical.
   1. the preventing of disease.
   2. the prevention of a specific disease, as by studying the biological behavior, transmission, etc., of its causative agent and applying a series of measures against it.
2. prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.

prophylaxis

/ ˌprɒfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

1. the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophylaxis¹

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek pro- pro- ² + phýlaxis a watching, guarding, equivalent to phylak- (base of phylássein to guard) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Officials call the treatment doxy PEP, short for doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis.

From Seattle Times

Machado said that even though infrastructure, basic control services and health services have been disrupted, the local health department is working to offer prophylaxis to infectious diseases and guidance to people returning home on how to reduce the exposure risks.

From Seattle Times

The patient was treated with an antiviral right away, and close contacts were given post-exposure prophylaxis.

From Salon

"This could be a potential broad spectrum antiviral treatment and prophylaxis."

From Salon

“This could be a potential broad spectrum antiviral treatment and prophylaxis,”Adalja said.

From Salon