This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
preventive
[ pri-ven-tiv ]
/ prɪˈvɛn tɪv /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
Medicine/Medical. of or noting a drug, vaccine, etc., for preventing disease; prophylactic.
serving to prevent or hinder: preventive measures.
noun
Medicine/Medical. a drug or other substance for preventing disease.
a preventive agent or measure.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also pre·vent·a·tive [pri-ven-tuh-tiv] /prɪˈvɛn tə tɪv/ (for defs. 2, 4).
OTHER WORDS FROM preventive
Words nearby preventive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use preventive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for preventive
preventive
/ (prɪˈvɛntɪv) /
adjective
tending or intended to prevent or hinder
med
- tending to prevent disease; prophylactic
- of or relating to the branch of medicine concerned with prolonging life and preventing disease
(in Britain) of, relating to, or belonging to the customs and excise service or the coastguard
noun
something that serves to prevent or hinder
med any drug or agent that tends to prevent or protect against disease
another name for contraceptive
Also (except for sense 3): preventative (prɪˈvɛntətɪv)
Derived forms of preventive
preventively, adverbpreventiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012