Definition: A term used by Aron Nimzovitch (1886-1935) to describe a strategy of preventing the opponent from executing a specific plan. He spoke of prophylaxis and prophylactic moves. A more common phrase for the concept is 'preventive move'.
Nimzovitch wrote, 'we are particularly concerned to show the affinity between waiting moves and preventive measures', 'it happens but infrequently that prophylaxis is combined with threats', and 'waiting moves form the beginning of all prophylactic maneuvers' - Chess Praxis, Part III
