— preventively , adv. — preventiveness , n.
/pri ven"tiv/ , adj.
1. Med. of or noting a drug, vaccine, etc., for preventing disease; prophylactic.
2. serving to prevent or hinder: preventive measures.
n.
3. Med. a drug or other substance for preventing disease.
4. a preventive agent or measure.
Also, preventative /pri ven"teuh tiv/ (for defs. 2, 4).
[ 1630-40; PREVENT + -IVE ]