preventative/prɪˈvɛntətɪv/1remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or diseaseSynonyms: preventiveprophylactic2an agent or device intended to prevent conceptionSynonyms: preventivecontraceptive deviceprophylactic devicecontraceptivebirth control device3any obstruction that impedes or is burdensomeSynonyms: hitchinterferencepreventivehinderanceencumbrancehindranceincumbrance