preventive
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.

4 ENTRIES FOUND:

1pre·ven·tive

noun \-ˈven-tiv\

Definition of PREVENTIVE

: something that prevents; especially : something used to prevent disease

Examples of PREVENTIVE

  1. <if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced>

First Known Use of PREVENTIVE

circa 1639

Related to PREVENTIVE

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

2preventive

adjective

Definition of PREVENTIVE

: devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary <preventive steps against soil erosion>: as
a : designed or serving to prevent the occurrence of disease <preventive medical care>
b : undertaken to forestall anticipated hostile action <a preventive coup>
pre·ven·tive·ly adverb
pre·ven·tive·ness noun

Examples of PREVENTIVE

  1. Farmers are covering their crops as a preventive measure against frost.
  2. We'll take whatever preventive action is necessary.

First Known Use of PREVENTIVE

circa 1626

Rhymes with PREVENTIVE

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: preventive detention
Previous Word in the Dictionary: preventionist
All Words Near: preventive

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up preventive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More