preventer

American  

[pri-ven-ter] / prɪˈvɛn tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that prevents.

2. Nautical.

   1. any of various lines set up to reinforce or relieve ordinary running or standing rigging.

   2. a line for preventing a sail from jibbing.

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preventer British  

/ prɪˈvɛntə /

noun

1. a person or thing that prevents

2. nautical a rope or other piece of gear rigged to prevent a sail from gybing

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Etymology

Origin of preventer

First recorded in 1580–90; prevent + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A diligent plumber will also calculate the pressure loss from the height of the bathroom above the water meter, the pressure loss through the water meter, a backflow preventer and any other pressure regulators.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

She and Sebastian still have "preventer" medication to reduce the risk of an attack and "reliever" medication in case one happens.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2022

The blowout preventer was supposed to be the last-ditch defense against high-pressure gas and oil bursting out of the well.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2016

We see the massive blowout preventer on the sea floor, which is rumbling and bubbling and being ominous.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2016

The strength of all hands soon brought the tack to the boom end, and the sheet was trimmed down, and the preventer and the weather brace hauled taut to take off the strain.

From McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader by McGuffey, William Holmes