Final answer:
A drug that inhibits cell reproduction without causing cell death is known as bacteriostatic. It contrasts with bactericidal drugs, which kill bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
A drug that does not actually cause the death of a cell but interferes with its ability to reproduce is said to be bacteriostatic. Unlike bactericidal drugs that kill their target bacteria, bacteriostatic drugs merely inhibit the growth of bacteria. This inhibition allows the body's immune system to defeat the infection more easily and is especially helpful when preserving the body's normal microbiota is important. Chemotherapy and other specific treatments might choose one type over the other depending on the condition.