preventive

adj. averting, avoiding, acting to prevent; delaying, inhibiting, hindering; designed to avert or prevent unwanted events or circumstances

n. safeguard, means of prevention, something used to avert an unwanted situation or event

---

Noun
1. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
(synonym) preventative, prophylactic
(hypernym) remedy, curative, cure
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
(synonym) hindrance, hitch, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference
(hypernym) obstruction, obstructor, obstructer, impediment, impedimenta
(hyponym) clog
3. an agent or device intended to prevent conception
(synonym) contraceptive, preventative, contraceptive device, prophylactic device, birth control device
(hypernym) device
(hyponym) cervical cap

---

Adjective
1. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug"
(synonym) preventative, prophylactic
(similar) healthful
2. tending to prevent or hinder
(synonym) preventative
(antonym) permissive
(similar) blockading
(see-also) protective
3. tending to ward off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze
(synonym) cautionary, prophylactic
(similar) protective

adj. preventive, pre-emptive, avoiding

adj. preventive, estimated

adj. preventative, preventive