Preventive — Defs

01 a. Going before; preceding.

1.
Going before; preceding.[Obs.]
“Any previous counsel or preventive understanding.” — Cudworth.
2.
Tending to defeat or hinder; obviating; preventing the access of; as, a medicine preventive of disease.
“Physic is either curative or preventive.” — Sir T. Browne.

Phrases & compounds

Preventive service — the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling.

02 n. That which prevents, hinders, or obstructs; that which intercepts access; in medicine, something to prevent disease; a prophylactic.

1.
That which prevents, hinders, or obstructs; that which intercepts access; in medicine, something to prevent disease; a prophylactic.