Dictionary
1preventive
noun pre·ven·tive \-ˈven-tiv\
Definition of PREVENTIVE
See preventive defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of PREVENTIVE
circa 1639
Related to PREVENTIVE
- Synonyms
- caution, fail-safe, palladium, precaution, safeguard
Other Medicine Terms
2preventive
adjective
: used to stop something bad from happening
Full 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
See preventive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PREVENTIVE
circa 1626
Related to PREVENTIVE
- Synonyms
- precautionary, preventative, prophylactic
PREVENTIVENESS Defined for Kids
preventive
adjective pre·ven·tive \prē-ˈven-tiv\
Definition of PREVENTIVE for Kids
: used for keeping something from happening
Learn More About PREVENTIVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: preventive detentionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: preventionistAll Words Near: preventive
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up preventive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).