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

Established in 1970 under the Public Health Service Act, the Title X program has traditionally aimed to provide access to affordable services, including contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing, options counseling, and sexually transmitted infection testing.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 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

Cornell University scientists have taken a major step toward developing a safe, reversible, long-acting and 100% effective nonhormonal male contraceptive, considered the holy grail of male contraception.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

If developed for human use, this type of male contraceptive could be delivered as an injection given every three months or possibly as a patch to maintain effectiveness, Cohen said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 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