Meaning of preventative in English

1. Pronunciation

   US accent

   How to pronounce preventative in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce preventative in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Classifying Adjective

   preventative

   Definitions

   1. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease

   Examples

   • « preventive medicine »
   • « vaccines are prophylactic »
   • « a prophylactic drug »

   Synonyms

   • healthful

2. Noun

   preventative

   Definitions

   1. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease

   Examples

   • « the doctor recommended several preventatives »
3. 2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
4. 3. an agent or device intended to prevent conception

5. Qualitative Adjective

   preventative

   Definitions

   1. tending to prevent or hinder

   Synonyms

   • blockading
   • clogging
   • hindering
   • impeding
   • obstructive
   • deterrent
   • frustrating
   • frustrative
   • thwarting
   • precautionary
   • precautional
   • preclusive
   • obviating(a)
   • preemptive
   • prohibitive
   • prohibitory

   Antonyms

   • permissive

See also

• protective