ENGLISH
REFERENCE

preventive

adj. · n.
US //pɹiˈvɛnɪv// UK //pɹɪvˈɛntɪv// pre·ven·tive
  1. 1 stopping a problem (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    intended to stop something bad from happening.

    intended to forestall or inhibit the occurrence of an undesirable event or condition.

    Example

    The company took preventive measures to make sure the machines didn't break down.

    Example

    The security team implemented preventive protocols to mitigate the risk of a data breach before any vulnerabilities could be exploited.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'preventive measures' or 'preventive action'.
  2. 2 medical protection (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    used to stop an illness or health problem before it begins.

    relating to the inhibition of disease or the slowing of its development; synonymous with prophylactic.

    Example

    Regular exercise and a healthy diet are important for preventive medicine.

    Example

    The clinic focuses on preventive healthcare, offering screenings that detect potential issues while they are still manageable.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners may see 'preventative' used in the same way; both are correct, though 'preventive' is often preferred in technical and medical writing.
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  1. 3 a protective measure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    something that you do or take to stop a problem.

    a measure, drug, or device used to prevent an undesirable event or disease.

    Example

    The doctor suggested a daily vitamin as a preventive against the flu.

    Example

    While the new law is a useful preventive, it does not address the root causes of the social unrest.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a countable noun.
Origin

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

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