What is the meaning of preventive?

Remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease.
- usage: "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
- synonyms: preventative, prophylactic
Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome.
- synonyms: hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference
An agent or device intended to prevent conception.
- synonyms: contraceptive, preventative, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, birth control device

Preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease.
- usage: "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug"
- synonyms: preventative, prophylactic
Tending to prevent or hinder.
- synonyms: preventative

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APA	WordNet. (2010). preventive. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/preventive/definitions/1181335
Chicago	WordNet. 2010. "preventive" http://smartdefine.org/preventive/definitions/1181335 (accessed September 21, 2026).
Harvard	WordNet 2010, preventive, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/preventive/definitions/1181335>.
MLA	WordNet. "preventive" 23 October 2010. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/preventive/definitions/1181335>

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