Meanings
plural post-exposure prophylaxes
- countableuncountablemedicineA form of prevention, usually medication, taken after exposure (or probable exposure) to a pathogen, preventing development of disease after such exposure; especially, as against HIV.
Rape victims should be informed of the option of post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV, in addition to emergency contraception.
2 more examples
Post-exposure prophylaxis may be discontinued if the animal involved is a dog or cat that remains healthy..., WHO expert consultation on rabies: first report
Vaccine should be used in all circumstances for postexposure prophylaxis except in infants less than 1 year of age., Viral Hepatitis in Children: Unique Features and Opportunities
Synonyms: PEP
Synonyms & antonyms
nounA form of prevention, usually medication, taken after exposure (or probable exposure) to a pathogen, preventing development of disease after such exposure; especially, as against HIV.
Cite this entry
post-exposure prophylaxis. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/post-exposure%20prophylaxis
“post-exposure prophylaxis.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/post-exposure%20prophylaxis. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “post-exposure prophylaxis,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/post-exposure%20prophylaxis.
Source: post-exposure prophylaxis on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.