prophylaxis

 
Pronunciation: /ˌprɒfɪˈlaksɪs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • treatment given or action taken to prevent disease: [with modifier]: all patients received preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis stroke prophylaxis

Origin:

mid 19th century: modern Latin, from pro-2 'before' + Greek phulaxis 'act of guarding'