Preventative Meaning in English

word · lemma: prevent

US

UK

Definition

Describes something done to stop problems or diseases before they start; used for actions, treatments, or measures meant to prevent something bad from happening.

Usage & Nuances

"Preventative" and "preventive" are used interchangeably, but "preventive" is more common in both American and British English. Common phrases include "preventative measures" and "preventative medicine." Used mostly in formal, medical, or scientific contexts. Rarely used in everyday conversation.

• Spanish: preventivo - profiláctico
• Portuguese (BR): preventivo - profilático
• Portuguese (PT): preventivo - profilático
• Chinese (Simplified): 预防性的 - 防止的
• Chinese (Traditional): 預防性的 - 防止的
• Hindi: रोकथाम करने वाला - निवारक
• Arabic: وقائي
• Bengali: প্রতিরোধমূলক
• Russian: профилактический
• Japanese: 予防的
• Vietnamese: phòng ngừa
• Korean: 예방적인
• Turkish: önleyici
• Urdu: احتیاطی
• Indonesian: pencegahan

Example Sentences

A lot of people skip their annual check-up, but that's actually a preventative health practice.

natural

The doctor recommended a preventative vaccine.

basic

Good hygiene is a preventative measure against illness.

basic

Wearing sunscreen is a preventative step to protect your skin.

basic

I always take preventative medicine when I travel abroad.

natural

They introduced new preventative measures in the office after the outbreak.

natural