prophylaxis

noun5

1. •
   The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease.

   • The role of statins in prophylaxis for cardiovascular disease is well supported by the medical literature.
2. •
   The cleaning of a patient's teeth.

   • We did his semiannual prophylaxis today, and his teeth and gums were found to be healthy.
3. •
   Protective measures against acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.
4. •
   Action that works to prevent some bad outcome.

   • The central bankers viewed these moves as prophylaxis against inflation.
5. •
   A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic.