birth-control

A couple discusses birth-control options with their doctor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Methods to prevent pregnancy: "birth control" refers to the various practices, devices, or medications used to prevent conception (the beginning of pregnancy). It is a single, compound noun that functions as a non-count noun in most contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She discussed options for birth control with her doctor. (Methods to prevent pregnancy.)
  • Access to reliable birth control is important for family planning. (Contraceptive methods used to plan when to have children.)

Advanced Usage

• "to practice birth control": to actively use methods to prevent pregnancy.

  • Many couples practice birth control to delay starting a family. (They use contraceptive techniques.)

• "a form of birth control": a specific type of contraceptive method.

  • The pill is a common form of birth control. (A hormonal contraceptive method.)

Variants and Related Words

• Birth-control pill (n): a specific type of oral contraceptive medication.

  • She takes a birth-control pill every morning. (A daily hormonal pill to prevent pregnancy.)

• Birth-control method (n): any specific technique or device used for contraception.

  • Condoms are a barrier birth-control method. (A physical device that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.)

Synonyms

• Contraception: the deliberate use of methods to prevent pregnancy.
• Family planning: the practice of controlling the number and timing of children, often involving birth control.

Related Idioms

• No direct idioms: "birth control" is a technical term and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions. However, related phrases include:
  • "Take control of one's fertility": to manage reproduction using birth control.

    • She decided to take control of her fertility by using birth control. (She actively managed her ability to conceive.)

Phrasal Verbs

• No phrasal verbs: "birth control" is a noun phrase and does not form phrasal verbs. However, the verb "control" can be used separately:
  • "Control birth": an older, less common phrase meaning to limit reproduction.

    • The program aims to control birth rates through education. (To manage the number of births.)