preventative meaning and definition

PREVENTATIVE noun

Definition of preventative (noun)

1. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
   • "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
   • synonyms: preventive, prophylactic
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
   • synonyms: encumbrance, hinderance, hindrance, hitch, incumbrance, interference, preventive
3. an agent or device intended to prevent conception
   • synonyms: birth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, preventive, prophylactic device

PREVENTATIVE adjective

Definition of preventative (adjective)

1. tending to prevent or hinder
   • synonyms: preventive
   • antonym: permissive
2. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
   • "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug"
   • synonyms: preventive, prophylactic