prēˈvenchən, prə̇ˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin praevention-, praeventio action of overtaking or anticipating, from Latin praeventus (past participle of praevenire to precede, anticipate, prevent) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at prevent
1.
a. : the right under canon law of a superior ecclesiastic to claim jurisdiction over or transact a matter excluding an inferior to whom the matter normally would be entrusted
b. Scots civil law : the authority of one of a number of judges of concurrent jurisdiction to exercise that jurisdiction with respect to a cause of which he first takes cognizance
2. obsolete : a going before : state of being before : precedence
3. obsolete
a. : anticipation , forestallment
b. : preventive , precaution
c. : obstacle
d. : presentiment
e. : preface , introduction
4. obsolete : prolepsis 2b
5. : the act of preventing or hindering : obstruction or thwarting of action, access, or approach
prevention of forest fires
prevention of disease
prevention of war
prevention of cruelty to animals
slum prevention
6. obsolete : prejudice , prepossession