Pre*ven"tion (?), n. [Cf. F.
prévention.] 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.