contraceptive

[ kon-truh-sep-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation.
2. pertaining to contraception.

noun

1. a contraceptive device, drug, foam, etc.

contraceptive

/ ˌkɒntrəˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation

noun

1. any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception

contraceptive

/ kŏn′trə-sĕp′tĭv /

1. A substance or device capable of preventing pregnancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contraceptive¹

First recorded in 1890–95; contra- ¹( def ) + (con)ceptive ( def )

Example Sentences

Regulators in South Africa have recalled a batch of the popular Yaz Plus contraceptive pill, after a packaging mix-up which means the contraception could be potentially ineffective.

From BBC

Wade in 2022 and, in his previous term, unsuccessfully trying to undermine the Affordable Care Act's coverage for contraceptives.

From Salon

The road map also calls for curtailing the ACA’s contraceptive mandate, which it says “has been the source of years of egregious attacks on many Americans’ religious and moral beliefs.”

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, they have taken a "definitive decision" - Chris is seeking to have a vasectomy, after years of Gemma having a contraceptive implant.

From BBC

He also prioritized defunding Planned Parenthood clinics, which offer abortion care, and unsuccessfully tried to undermine the Affordable Care Act's coverage for contraceptives.

From Salon

Related Words

• condom
• diaphragm
• hormone
• pill