contraception

[ kon-truh-sep-shuhn ]
See synonyms for contraception on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control: Patients in this study must agree to practice contraception for the duration of their participation.

  2. a drug, technique, or device used to deliberately prevent conception or impregnation: You can also request free contraception by undergoing a simple, secure online consultation.Hormonal contraception, like any other medication, can interact with other drugs being taken.

Origin of contraception

1
First recorded in 1885–90; contra-1 + (con)ception

Words Nearby contraception

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use contraception in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for contraception

contraception

/ (ˌkɒntrəˈsɛpʃən) /


noun
  1. the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural means. Artificial methods in common use include preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum (using condoms, diaphragms, etc), inhibiting ovulation (using oral contraceptive pills), preventing implantation (using intrauterine devices), killing the sperm (using spermicides), and preventing the sperm from entering the seminal fluid (by vasectomy). Natural methods include the rhythm method and coitus interruptus: Compare birth control, family planning

Origin of contraception

1
C19: from contra- + conception

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for contraception

contraception

Any practice that serves to prevent conception during sexual activity.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.