preventionn.[Cf. F. prvention.]1. The act of going, or state of being, before.()The greater the distance, the greater the prevention. (Bacon.)2. Anticipation; esp., anticipation of needs or wishes; hence, precaution; forethought.(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.(Dryden.)