Pre*ven"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. pr'evention.]
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.
Shak.
4.
Prejudice; prepossession.
[A Gallicism]
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.