preventive
Noun · AdjectiveUS[prih-ven-tiv]/prɪˈvɛntɪv/3 syllablesalso [pree-ven-tiv] /priˈvɛntɪv/, [prih-ven-iv] /prɪˈvɛnɪv/
Synonyms:
preventativeprophylactichindrancehinderancehitchencumbranceincumbranceinterferencecontraceptivecontraceptive deviceprophylactic devicebirth control device
Open English WordNet
Adjective (2)
- preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease“preventive medicine”“vaccines are prophylactic”“a prophylactic drug”Synonyms: preventativeprophylacticOpposite unhealthfulSimilar healthful
- tending to prevent or hinderSynonyms: preventativeSimilar blockading, clogging, prohibitive, deterrent, precautionary, frustrating, preemptive, preclusiveSee also protective
Noun (3)
- remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease“the doctor recommended several preventatives”Synonyms: preventativeprophylacticType of remedy, curative
- any obstruction that impedes or is burdensomeSynonyms: hindrancehinderancehitchpreventativeencumbranceincumbranceinterferenceType of obstruction, obstructorKinds speed bump, clog
- an agent or device intended to prevent conceptionSynonyms: contraceptivepreventativecontraceptive deviceprophylactic devicebirth control deviceType of deviceKinds coil, intrauterine device, spermicide, cervical cap, diaphragm, condom, morning-after pill, pill
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expediteverb
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Pre·vent′ive adjective
Origin: Cf. F. préventif.
1. Going before; preceding. obsolete
Any previous counsel or preventive understanding.— Ralph Cudworth
2. Tending to defeat or hinder; obviating; preventing the access of; as, a medicine preventive of disease.
Physic is either curative or preventive.— Sir Thomas Browne
Preventive service, the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling. British
Pre·vent′ive noun
That which prevents, hinders, or obstructs; that which intercepts access; in medicine, something to prevent disease; a prophylactic.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54