English dictionary



Hint: Wildcards can be used multiple times in a query.

English adjective: preventive

1. preventive preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease


SamplesPreventive medicine.
Vaccines are prophylactic.
A prophylactic drug.


Synonymspreventative, prophylactic


Similarhealthful


Antonymsunhealthful

2. preventive tending to prevent or hinder


Synonymspreventative


Similarblockading, clogging, deterrent, frustrating, frustrative, hindering, impeding, obstructive, obviating, pre-emptive, precautional, precautionary, preclusive, preemptive, prohibitive, prohibitory, thwarting


See alsoprotective


Antonymspermissive


English noun: preventive

1. preventive (artifact) remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease


SamplesThe doctor recommended several preventatives.


Synonymspreventative, prophylactic


Broader (hypernym)curative, cure, remedy, therapeutic

2. preventive (artifact) any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome


Synonymsencumbrance, hinderance, hindrance, hitch, incumbrance, interference, preventative


Broader (hypernym)impediment, impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor


Narrower (hyponym)clog, speed bump

3. preventive (artifact) an agent or device intended to prevent conception


Synonymsbirth control device, contraceptive, contraceptive device, preventative, prophylactic device


Broader (hypernym)device


Narrower (hyponym)anovulant, anovulatory drug, birth control pill, cervical cap, coil, condom, contraceptive diaphragm, contraceptive pill, diaphragm, intrauterine device, IUD, morning-after pill, oral contraceptive, oral contraceptive pill, pessary, pill, prophylactic, rubber, safe, safety, spermatocide, spermicide









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2024 onlineordbog.dk