Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prevention
Pre-ven′tion
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
prévention
.] 1.
The act of going, or state of being, before.
[Obs.]
The greater the distance, the greater the
prevention
. Bacon.
2.
Anticipation; esp., anticipation of needs or wishes; hence, precaution; forethought.
[Obs.]
Hammond. Shak.
3.
The act of preventing or hindering; obstruction of action, access, or approach; thwarting.
South.
Casca, be sudden, for we fear
prevention
. Shakespeare
4.
Prejudice; prepossession.
[A Gallicism]
Dryden.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prevention
PREVEN'TION
,Noun.
1.
Preoccupation; anticipation. [Little used.]2.
The act of hindering; hinderance; obstruction of access or approach. Prevention of sin is one of the greatest mercies God can vouchsafe.
3.
Prejudice; prepossession; a French sense, but not in use in English.