tending to prevent or hinder

[ Syn: preventive ]

remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease; the doctor recommended several preventatives

[ Syn: preventive , prophylactic ]

any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome

[ Syn: hindrance , hinderance , hitch , preventive , encumbrance , incumbrance , interference ]

an agent or device intended to prevent conception

[ Syn: contraceptive , preventive , contraceptive device , prophylactic device , birth control device ]

preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease; preventive medicine; vaccines are prophylactic; a prophylactic drug

[ Syn: preventive , prophylactic ]