preventivea.[Cf. F. prventif.]1. Going before; preceding.()Any previous counsel or preventive understanding. (Cudworth.)2. Tending to defeat or hinder; obviating; preventing the access of; as, a medicine preventive of disease.()Physic is either curative or preventive. (Sir T. Browne.)Preventive service, the duty performed by the armed police in guarding the coast against smuggling. [Eng]()n. That which prevents, hinders, or obstructs; that which intercepts access; in medicine, something to prevent disease; a prophylactic.()