preventative
UK: /prɪˈvɛntətɪv/ | US: /prɪˈvɛntətɪv/
adj. intended to stop something undesirable from happening; preventive
n. something that serves to prevent, especially a preventive measure or agent
The word "preventative" evolved from the Latin praevenire, meaning "to come before" or "anticipate." The prefix prae- (before) and root venire (to come) originally described literal anticipation but shifted to imply hindering or stopping something proactively. The suffix -ative was added in English to form an adjective, emphasizing its function as a measure taken to avert outcomes.
Vaccines are a key preventative against infectious diseases.
The doctor recommended preventative care to avoid future health issues.
Regular exercise is a preventative measure for heart disease.
The company implemented preventative maintenance for its machinery.
She takes a preventative approach to managing stress.