prophylactic

/ˌˈproʊfəˌlæktɪk/

Other forms: prophylactics; prophylactically

Prophylactic might sound like a prehistoric period when dinosaurs roamed the earth, but it actually describes something that can prevent something negative, such as disease. Prophylactic surgery to remove a mole can prevent skin cancer.

If you want to avoid getting sick, you can get a vaccine, take medicine, or have surgery — all of which are considered prophylactic measures. Delve deeper into the history of this four-syllable word and you'll find the Greek term prophulaktikos, which means to "guard before." Prophylactic can also describe a contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This use of the word started because condoms, which are prophylactics, were originally designed to prevent disease, not pregnancy.

Definitions of prophylactic

1. adjective

   preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
   “vaccines are prophylactic”

   “a prophylactic drug”

   synonyms: preventative, preventive

   healthful

   conducive to good health of body or mind
2. adjective

   capable of preventing conception or impregnation
   synonyms: antifertility, contraceptive

   protective

   intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind
3. adjective

   warding off
   synonyms: cautionary

   protective

   intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind
4. noun

   remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
   synonyms: preventative, preventive

   type of:

   curative, cure, remedy, therapeutic

   a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
5. noun

   contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
   type of:

   birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, preventative, preventive, prophylactic device

   an agent or device intended to prevent conception