preventive

(noun, adjective)

adjective

1. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease

- preventive medicine

Similar word(s): healthful, preventative, prophylactic

2. tending to prevent or hinder

Similar word(s): blockading, clogging, hindering, impeding, obstructive, deterrent, frustrating, frustrative, thwarting, precautional, precautionary, obviating, preclusive, preemptive, prohibitive, prohibitory, protective, preventative

noun

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

- the doctor recommended several preventatives

Similar word(s): preventative, prophylactic

Definition categories: man–made, curative, cure, remedy, therapeutic

2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome

Similar word(s): encumbrance, hinderance, hindrance, hitch, incumbrance, interference, preventative

Definition categories: man–made, impediment, impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor

3. an agent or device intended to prevent conception

Similar word(s): contraceptive, preventative

Definition categories: man–made, device