contraception: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, medical, academic, everyday (in appropriate contexts)
Quick answer
What does “contraception” mean?
The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Any method, device, medication, or practice that prevents conception; the general concept or study of birth control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. 'Birth control' is slightly more common in everyday American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word is neutral, clinical, and non-judgmental. 'Birth control' can feel slightly more informal or direct.
Frequency
More frequent in official, medical, and educational contexts in both regions. In informal UK speech, 'contraception' and 'birth control' are both used, with 'contraception' being perfectly acceptable.
Grammar
How to Use “contraception” in a Sentence
N of contraceptionV (e.g., use, recommend, discuss) contraceptionAdj + contraception (e.g., reliable, hormonal, effective) contraceptionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contraception” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It is crucial to contracept effectively if you're not planning a family.
- (Note: 'contracept' is a rare back-formation verb; 'use contraception' is standard.)
American English
- Couples should discuss how they plan to contracept before becoming sexually active. (Rare, technical use.)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. Use 'for contraception' or 'contraceptively' (extremely rare).]
American English
- [No standard adverb form. Use 'as contraception' or 'for birth control'.]
adjective
British English
- The contraception clinic on High Street offers free advice.
- She sought contraception advice from her GP.
American English
- The contraception mandate in the healthcare law was controversial.
- They reviewed all the contraception options available.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical or healthcare business contexts.
Academic
Frequent in medical, public health, sociological, and gender studies texts.
Everyday
Common in discussions about health, relationships, and family planning.
Technical
Standard term in medical, gynaecological, and pharmacological fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contraception”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contraception”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contraception”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a contraception' is wrong; use 'a contraceptive method').
- Misspelling as 'contra-ception' with a hyphen.
- Confusing 'contraception' (concept) with 'contraceptive' (the physical/chemical agent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring. Abortion terminates an existing pregnancy. They are fundamentally different concepts.
Emergency contraception (often called the 'morning-after pill') is a type of contraception used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is not an abortion pill.
No, 'contraception' is an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'contraceptions'. To refer to multiple types, say 'methods of contraception' or 'contraceptives'.
No. 'Contraception' is the general concept or practice. For a specific device or pill, use the countable noun 'a contraceptive' (e.g., a contraceptive pill, a contraceptive device).
The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Contraception is usually formal, medical, academic, everyday (in appropriate contexts) in register.
Contraception: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.trəˈsep.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.trəˈsep.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONTRA = against, (CON)CEPTION = the beginning of life. So, contraception is 'against conception'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREGNANCY IS AN ARRIVAL/JOURNEY; CONTRACEPTION IS A BARRIER/DEFLECTION. (e.g., 'blocking the path', 'preventing the arrival').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate synonym for 'contraception' in a medical text?