preventive

²preventive

adj

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

Related to PREVENTIVE

Synonyms: precautionary, preventative, prophylactic

Related Words: deterrent, deterring; negating, neutralizing, nullifying; baffling, balking, foiling, frustrating, thwarting; blocking, hampering, hindering, impeding, retardant, stalling

Near Antonyms: abetting, aiding, assisting; easing, facilitating, smoothing; encouraging, forwarding, fostering, furthering, nurturing, promoting

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Rhymes with PREVENTIVE

adventive, incentive