contraceptive

American  

[kon-truh-sep-tiv] / ˌkɒn trəˈsɛp tɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation.

2. pertaining to contraception.

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noun

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

contraceptive British  

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

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

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noun

1. any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contraceptive Scientific  

/ kŏn′trə-sĕp′tĭv /

1. A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.

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Etymology

Origin of contraceptive

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

Example Sentences

One promising candidate was lynestrenol, a hormone drug currently approved for certain menstrual disorders and contraceptive use.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

Organon is best known for its Nexplanon contraceptive implant, but also offers fertility treatments and an expanding pipeline of biosimilars, Food and Drug Administration-approved versions of existing drugs.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

In addition to their use as a contraceptive, the pills are prescribed for a variety of health issues, including preventing anemia from heavy periods and treating uterine fibroids.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

Hall, a self-employed silversmith, first noticed symptoms after coming off the contraceptive pill which she said had been "masking" the pain for 10 years.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Ritual and ethical absention and the use of contraceptive drugs seem to have played the major part in maintaining this stability.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• condom
• diaphragm
• hormone
• pill