What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prophylaxis
Example
The doctor recommended prophylaxis to prevent malaria during my trip to Africa. [prophylaxis: noun]
Example
The dentist prescribed prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection after the tooth extraction. [prophylactic: adjective]
prevention
Example
Prevention is better than cure, so we should take steps to avoid getting sick. [prevention: noun]
Example
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike is a simple and effective way of preventing head injuries. [preventing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevention is more commonly used than prophylaxis in everyday language. Prevention is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts and tones, while prophylaxis is more commonly used in medical or clinical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prophylaxis and prevention?
Prophylaxis is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while prevention can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
