definition of
preventive

[1] #1 preventive s. [preventative, prophylactic] preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug". wn

[2] #2 preventive n. [preventative, prophylactic] remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives". wn

[3] #3 preventive n. [hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference] any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome. wn

[4] #4 preventive n. [contraceptive, preventative, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, birth control device] an agent or device intended to prevent conception. wn