| 释义 |
pre·ven·tive
I. \prēˈventiv, prə̇ˈ-, -tēv also -təv\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: prevent + -ive, n. suffix
: something that prevents or is preventive; specifically : something taken to prevent disease : prophylactic
II. adjective
Etymology: prevent + -ive, adjective suffix
1. : making or aiming to make unlikely or impossible : devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary
< a preventive measure against rats >
< preventive steps against soil erosion >
< preventive penology >
2. : undertaken in order to forestall or ward off hostile action
< preventive war >
< knock out the enemy air force with a quick preventive thrust >
• pre·ven·tive·ly \-tə̇vlē, -li\ adverb
• pre·ven·tive·ness \-tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv-\ noun -es |