Meaning of the word preventative in English

What does preventative mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

preventative

US /prɪˈven.t̬ə.t̬ɪv/
UK /prɪˈven.tə.tɪv/
"preventative" picture

Adjective

intended to stop something before it happens, especially to stop an illness or a problem

Example:
Regular exercise is a good preventative measure against heart disease.
The company is taking preventative action to avoid a strike.

Noun

something that is used to prevent something else, such as a medicine or a treatment

Example:
Vitamin C is often used as a preventative for the common cold.
The doctor prescribed a preventative to keep the infection from returning.