preventatives

noun
UK /prɪˈvɛntətɪvz/
US /prɪˈvɛntətɪvz/

Things you use to stop something bad from happening.

The doctor gave us preventatives to keep us from getting sick.

SYNONYMS

precautionssafeguardsprotectionsdeterrents

RELATED WORDS

preventionmedicinevaccinesafety

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Medicines or treatments that stop a disease before it starts.

She takes preventatives for her allergies every spring.

3. Actions taken in advance to avoid problems.

Wearing a helmet is one of the best preventatives against head injuries.

4. Things that stop pests or damage from coming.

The farmer used natural preventatives to keep bugs off the crops.