preventative Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
   preventive; prophylactic.
   
   • the doctor recommended several preventatives
2. noun any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
   incumbrance; encumbrance; interference; hitch; hindrance; preventive; hinderance.
   
3. noun an agent or device intended to prevent conception
   prophylactic device; contraceptive; birth control device; preventive; contraceptive device.
   
4. adjective tending to prevent or hinder
   preventive.
   
5. adjective satellite preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
   preventive; prophylactic.
   
   • preventive medicine
   • vaccines are prophylactic
   • a prophylactic drug

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