preventive

Definition

Preventing, hindering, or acting as an obstacle to.

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin praeventīvus. Equivalent to prevent + -ive.

Example Sentences

• "...and I sometimes think whether, like the ancient king, it would not be prudent to make an offering to destiny, and throw my set of emeralds into the lake." Emily could not but deprecate the emeralds being destined to any such preventive service;..."
• "Physick is either curative or preventive."
• "Any previous counsel or preventive understanding."