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.