preventive

(prĭ-vĕnˈtĭv) also pre·ven·ta·tive (-tə-tĭv)

1. Intended or used to prevent or hinder; acting as an obstacle: preventive measures.
2. Carried out to deter expected aggression by hostile forces.
3. Preventing or slowing the course of an illness or disease; prophylactic: preventive medicine; preventive health care.

1. Something that prevents; an obstacle.
2. Something that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease.

Related Forms:

• pre·venˈtive·ly adverb

• pre·venˈtive·ness noun