Preventative: meaning, definitions and examples
⚠️
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.
|
| protective |
Describes measures, actions, or devices intended to guard someone or something from harm or injury, not necessarily related to health.
|
| prophylactic |
More formal or technical term, used mainly in medical contexts to describe treatments or medications that prevent the onset of disease or infection.
|
| preventive |
Similar to 'preventative,' often used in medical contexts to refer to strategies or actions aimed at preventing disease or other health issues.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| preventive |
Often used interchangeably with 'preventative'. Preferred in formal writing and medical contexts. Emphasizes the prevention of issues, especially in healthcare.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "preventative" in other languages:
🇵🇹 preventivo
🇮🇳 निवारक
🇩🇪 präventiv
🇮🇩 pencegahan
🇺🇦 профілактичний
🇵🇱 zapobiegawczy
🇯🇵 予防的
🇫🇷 préventif
🇪🇸 preventivo
🇹🇷 önleyici
🇰🇷 예방의
🇸🇦 وقائي
🇨🇿 preventivní
🇸🇰 preventívny
🇨🇳 预防的
🇸🇮 preventivni
🇮🇸 fyrirbyggjandi
🇰🇿 алдын алу
🇬🇪 პრევენციული
🇦🇿 qabaqlayıcı
🇲🇽 preventivo