pre·ven·tive
pri-ˈven-tiv 
: devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary
preventive steps against soil erosion
: such as
a
: designed or serving to prevent the occurrence of disease
preventive medical care
b
: undertaken to forestall anticipated hostile action
a preventive coup
preventively
adverb
preventiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of preventive in a Sentence
Adjective
Farmers are covering their crops as a preventive measure against frost.
We'll take whatever preventive action is necessary.
Noun
if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced
Recent Examples on the Web
Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
The passenger coaches won't be affected by the change to the engines, although preventive maintenance is performed on the coaches each year.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preventive 
Adjective
Stand Up to Cancer x Lynne Cohen Foundation event
Stand Up to Cancer and the Lynne Cohen Foundation, two nonprofits that fund cutting-edge cancer research and specialized preventive services, teamed up for a special fundraiser on Thursday featuring a performance by Chelsea Handler.
—Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
The passenger coaches won't be affected by the change to the engines, although preventive maintenance is performed on the coaches each year.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preventive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preventive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventive. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preventive
1 of 2 noun
pre·ven·tive
pri-ˈvent-iv
: something that prevents
especially
: something used to prevent disease
preventive
2 of 2 adjective
: concerned with or used for prevention
preventive measures
preventive medicine
Medical Definition
preventive
2 of 2 adjective
: devoted to or concerned with the prevention of disease
preventive drug therapy
preventive psychiatry
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