preventative in WordNet English dictionary

1. an agent or device intended to prevent conception
   contraceptive  preventive  preventative  contraceptive device  prophylactic device  birth control device 
   
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
   hindrance  hinderance  hitch  preventive  preventative  encumbrance  incumbrance  interference 
   
3. remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease
   "the doctor recommended several preventatives"
   preventive  preventative  prophylactic 
   

1. tending to prevent or hinder
   preventive  preventative 
   
2. preventing or contributing to the prevention of disease
   "preventive medicine"; "vaccines are prophylactic"; "a prophylactic drug"
   preventive  preventative  prophylactic