contraceptive

[kon-truh-sep-tiv]

adjective

1. tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation.

2. pertaining to contraception.

noun

1. a contraceptive device, drug, foam, etc.

contraceptive

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation

noun

1. any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contraceptive

1. A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraceptive¹

First recorded in 1890–95; contra- ¹ ( def. ) + (con)ceptive ( def. )

Example Sentences

The last time they did so was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But a later on-the-ground report revealed that wasn’t the case and that all those contraceptives were still in a warehouse — and that the U.S. government was still refusing to distribute them or give them away.

Read more on Salon

Japan has for the first time approved over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill, its manufacturer says, allowing women in the country to take the medication without prescription.

Read more on BBC

If someone experienced a clot without surgery, and was on oral contraceptives, testing may be recommended.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Reah Steer, 34, from Windsor in Berkshire, described enduring years of agony and being prescribed the contraceptive pill, which only disguised the disease.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• condom 
• diaphragm 
• hormone 
• pill