Pre*vent"ive (?), a. [Cf. F. pr'eventif.]

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.

Preventive service, the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling. [Eng]

 

© Webster 1913.


Pre*vent"ive, n.

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

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.