preventive

adjective

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pre·ven·tive | \ pri-ˈven-tiv

Definition of preventive

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

preventive

noun

Definition of preventive (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that prevents especially : something used to prevent disease

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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: Adjective This should be seen as an opportunity to help them get back on track with preventive care, everything from blood pressure or diabetes management to needed vaccinations. — Sangini S. Sheth, STAT, "Adult vaccination saves lives. Why do so few adults get vaccinated?," 15 Nov. 2019 The tool itself also can be shared with friends to increase awareness of preventive care. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN, "Facebook launches new tool to help you get health tests and screenings," 28 Oct. 2019 The hotel’s Medical Care center, which follows traditional Western medicine, offers services including preventive health care, two-day comprehensive examinations, and aesthetic dentistry. — Ann Abel, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Spas in the U.S. & Around the World: 2019 Readers' Choice Awards," 7 Oct. 2019 Officials also try to reach students through preventive education about the risks of substance abuse. — Hannah Leone, chicagotribune.com, "As pot goes legal in Illinois, Chicago Public Schools lessens penalties for students caught with drugs," 2 July 2019 The Clippers have taken their own preventive measures with Kawhi Leonard, who has sat in the first game of the Clippers’ back-to-back slates because of an injury to his patella tendon in his left knee. — Mark Medina, USA TODAY, "Why Lakers, Anthony Davis believe they are not compromising his health," 12 Nov. 2019 There are a few preventive measures that might help. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "8 Things You Should Know If You Get Recurrent UTIs," 8 Nov. 2019 Police was witnessing the homophobic slurs towards Ana and didn't take preventive measures to stop the violence. — Alex Cooper, NBC News, "Protests, arrests and injuries as Georgians protest gay film's debut," 8 Nov. 2019 Unfortunately, no one has found a preventive measure, and no one has found a cure. — Neil Sperry, ExpressNews.com, "Mexican petunia: beautiful and determined to spread," 13 Sep. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Researchers familiar with the field say CDC researchers did not invent the concept underpinning PrEP —that the same antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) used to treat HIV could, like malarial pills given to travelers, works as preventives. — Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, "Untangling the Trump administration’s lawsuit over an HIV prevention drug," 8 Nov. 2019 Use preventives like topical creams, chewable tablets or injectables. — Caitlin Anderson, Twin Cities, "Heartworm risks for Minnesota pets rise. Here are ways to protect your dogs and cats.," 23 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preventive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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prevention is better than cure

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Last Updated

1 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Preventive.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventive. Accessed 8 December 2019.

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More Definitions for preventive

preventive

adjective