Definition Definition

prophylactic - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'prophylactic' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Prophylactic [ a.]
- Alt. of Prophylactical
2 . Prophylactic [ n.]
- A medicine which preserves or defends against disease; a preventive.

Meaning of 'prophylactic' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . prophylactic [ n]
Meaning (1):
- remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
Example in sentence:
  • the doctor recommended several preventatives
2 . prophylactic [ s]
Meaning (2):
- preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
Example in sentence:
  • a prophylactic drug;
  • preventive medicine;
  • vaccines are prophylactic
Meaning (3):
- capable of preventing conception or impregnation
Example in sentence:
  • contraceptive devices and medications
Meaning (4):
- warding off
Example in sentence:
  • the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples