prophylaxis

1. The prevention of, or the protective treatment for, disease. (countable, uncountable) · The role of statins in prophylaxis for cardiovascular disease is well supported by the medical literature.
2. The cleaning of a patient's teeth. (countable, uncountable) · 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. (countable, uncountable)
4. Action that works to prevent some bad outcome. (countable, uncountable) · The central bankers viewed these moves as prophylaxis against inflation.
5. A move or strategy that frustrates an opponent's plan or tactic. (countable, uncountable)

Plural prophylaxes