preventive
1pre·ven·tive
noun \-ˈven-tiv\Definition of PREVENTIVE
Examples of PREVENTIVE
- <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
- Synonyms
- caution, fail-safe, palladium, precaution, safeguard
Other Medicine Terms
2preventive
adjectiveDefinition 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
- Farmers are covering their crops as a preventive measure against frost.
- We'll take whatever preventive action is necessary.
First Known Use of PREVENTIVE
circa 1626
Related to PREVENTIVE
- Synonyms
- precautionary, preventative, prophylactic
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