I. -ˈven-tiv noun
Date: circa 1639
: something that prevents ; especially : something used to prevent disease
II. adjective
Date: circa 1626
: devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary
preventive steps against soil erosion
as
a. : designed or serving to prevent the occurrence of disease
preventive medical care
b. : undertaken to forestall anticipated hostile action
a preventive coup
• pre·ven·tive·ly adverb
• pre·ven·tive·ness noun