Meaning of the word preventive in English

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

preventive

US /prɪˈven.t̬ɪv/
UK /prɪˈven.tɪv/

Adjective

designed to keep something undesirable from happening

Example:
Preventive measures were taken to avoid the spread of the disease.
Regular maintenance is a good preventive strategy for machinery.

Noun

a measure taken to prevent something undesirable from happening

Example:
The vaccine acts as a powerful preventive against the flu.
Good hygiene is an important preventive against many infections.