#1 preventive s. [preventative, prophylactic] preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug". wn
#2 preventive n. [preventative, prophylactic] remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives". wn
#3 preventive n. [hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference] any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome. wn
#4 preventive n. [contraceptive, preventative, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, birth control device] an agent or device intended to prevent conception. wn
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