I. prēˈventiv, prə̇ˈ-, -tēv also -təv noun
( -s )
Etymology: prevent + -ive, n. suffix
: something that prevents or is preventive ; specifically : something taken to prevent disease : prophylactic
II. adjective
Etymology: prevent + -ive, adjective suffix
1. : making or aiming to make unlikely or impossible : devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary
a preventive measure against rats
preventive steps against soil erosion
preventive penology
2. : undertaken in order to forestall or ward off hostile action
preventive war
knock out the enemy air force with a quick preventive thrust
• pre·ven·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
• pre·ven·tive·ness -tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv- noun -es