n. [ Cf. F. prévention. ] 1. The act of going, or state of being, before. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
The greater the distance, the greater the prevention. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Anticipation; esp., anticipation of needs or wishes; hence, precaution; forethought. [ Obs. ] Hammond. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The act of preventing or hindering; obstruction of action, access, or approach; thwarting. South. [ 1913 Webster ]
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Prejudice; prepossession. [ A Gallicism ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]