Fyrirbyggð

Fyrirbyggð is an Icelandic term used to describe actions, policies, or planning aimed at preventing problems before they occur. It is commonly applied in health care, public policy, safety, and business contexts to denote anticipatory measures rather than reactive responses.

The word is formed from the prefix fyrir- meaning before and the verb byggja meaning to build or establish, conveying the idea of building in advance. In usage, fyrirbyggð functions mainly as an adjective describing processes or plans, and less often as a noun referring to the concept of prevention itself.

In health care, fyrirbyggð measures include vaccination programs, health screenings, and education that aim to prevent disease or injury. In policy and industry, the term describes risk-reduction programs, safety standards, and contingency planning designed to avert harm or loss. The concept is aligned with broader notions of prevention and public health and is often presented as a proactive complement to treatment and remediation.

See also: forvarnir, forbygging, forebygging, prevention. In Icelandic usage, while fyrirbyggð is understood and used in formal and technical contexts, more common everyday terms for the general idea of prevention include forvarnir or forbygging.