preventative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
    preventive; prophylactic.
    • the doctor recommended several preventatives
  2. noun any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
    incumbrance; encumbrance; interference; hitch; hindrance; preventive; hinderance.
  3. noun an agent or device intended to prevent conception
    prophylactic device; contraceptive; birth control device; preventive; contraceptive device.
  4. adjective tending to prevent or hinder
    preventive.
  5. adjective satellite preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
    preventive; prophylactic.
    • preventive medicine
    • vaccines are prophylactic
    • a prophylactic drug

WordNet


Pre*vent"a*tive noun
Definitions
  1. That which prevents; -- incorrectly used instead of preventive.

Webster 1913