Preventative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preventative
[prɪˈvɛntətɪv ]
Definitions
healthcare
Intended to prevent something bad from happening
Synonyms
preventive, prophylactic, protective.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preventative |
Used to describe actions, measures, or treatments that are taken to stop something from happening, especially diseases or medical conditions.
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| protective |
Describes measures, actions, or devices intended to guard someone or something from harm or injury, not necessarily related to health.
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| prophylactic |
More formal or technical term, used mainly in medical contexts to describe treatments or medications that prevent the onset of disease or infection.
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| preventive |
Similar to 'preventative,' often used in medical contexts to refer to strategies or actions aimed at preventing disease or other health issues.
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Examples of usage
- It is important to take preventative measures to avoid getting sick.
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet are preventative measures against heart disease.
medicine
A substance or treatment designed to prevent a disease or medical condition
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preventative |
Usually used interchangeably with 'preventive'. Preferred in informal contexts and general conversation. Focuses on actions taken to stop something from happening.
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| prophylactic |
Used primarily in medical or technical contexts. Refers to something that is intended to prevent disease or a specific problem. Has a more specialized and clinical connotation.
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| preventive |
Often used interchangeably with 'preventative'. Preferred in formal writing and medical contexts. Emphasizes the prevention of issues, especially in healthcare.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a preventative to lower the patient's risk of infection.
- Vaccines are a common form of preventative used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Vaccinations are a prime example of preventative measures that protect against infectious diseases.
- Regular exercise is a preventative strategy against various health issues, including obesity and heart disease.
- Annual health screenings are essential preventative practices that can catch potential problems early.
Environmental Science
- Preventative strategies in environmental management include measures taken to reduce pollution before it happens.
- Conservation efforts aim to create preventative systems that protect endangered plants and animals.
- Sustainable practices like recycling help prevent waste accumulation and protect natural resources.
Psychology
- Preventative mental health strategies, such as mindfulness, can help reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
- Stress management workshops are often aimed at being preventative to help individuals cope with pressures before they escalate.
- Early intervention programs in schools focus on preventative measures to address behavioral and emotional issues in children.
Education
- Preventative measures in education include teaching children about safety to help them avoid dangerous situations.
- Anti-bullying programs are implemented in schools as a preventative effort to foster a positive environment.
- Curriculum focused on social-emotional learning can equip students with tools to prevent conflicts and manage emotions.
Origin of 'preventative'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'preventative' comes from the Latin word 'praevenire', which means 'to come before'.
- In the early 1900s, the term began to be used in health-related contexts to describe actions taken to stop disease.
- It is often confused with 'preventive', though both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.
The word 'preventative' is derived from the verb 'prevent', which comes from the Latin word 'praeventus', meaning 'to come before'. The use of preventative measures has a long history in healthcare and medicine, dating back to ancient civilizations that recognized the importance of disease prevention. Over time, the concept of prevention has evolved, leading to the development of various preventative strategies and treatments.
See also: preventable, prevention, preventive, unpreventable.