prophylactics

as incondom

as incontraceptive
as inantiseptic

Word Origin & History

1570s, originally of medicines, "that tends to prevent disease," from Middle French prophylactique (16c.) and directly as a Latinized borrowing of Greek prophylaktikos "precautionary," from prophylassein "keep guard before, ward off, be on one's guard," from pro- "before" (see pro-) + phylassein, Ionic variant of phylattein "to watch over, to guard," but also "cherish, keep, remain in, preserve" (see phylactery).

The noun is first recorded 1640s, "a medicine or treatment to prevent disease;" meaning "condom" is from 1943, replacing earlier preventive (1822), preventative (1901). Condoms originally were used more to thwart contagious disease than to prevent pregnancy.

Example Sentences for prophylactics

As Prophylactics (preventives) of the fever, Macrotin, Bell.

These two medicines serve as prophylactics (preventives) of Cholera.

Indeed, nature herself seems to have pointed them out as prophylactics against the diseases of hot weather.

The employment of aromatics as prophylactics is not less beneficial in children than in adults.

I have no fear of either, when judiciously employed; and as prophylactics in cholera, I do not think their place can be supplied.

Gestures, too, often intentionally obscene, were regarded as prophylactics on meeting the dreaded individual.

Prophylactics are remedies employed to prevent the attack of any particular disease, such as quinine, &c.

The almost universal dependence upon amulets, as prophylactics or healing agencies, originated through popular ignorance and fear.

Like amulets, they were formerly worn on the body, either as prophylactics or as healing agents.

The agents supposed to be prophylactics are those also resorted to as therapeutic remedies.

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Synonyms for prophylactics

noun birth control