prevent

[pri-vent]

verb (used with object)

1. to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.

   He intervened to prevent bloodshed.

   Synonyms: thwart, obviate, preclude, forestall, obstruct
   Antonyms: assist, help

2. to hinder or stop from doing something.

   There is nothing to prevent us from going.

3. Archaic.,  to act ahead of; forestall.

4. Archaic.,  to precede.

5. Archaic.,  to anticipate.

verb (used without object)

1. to interpose a hindrance.

   He will come if nothing prevents.

prevent

/ prɪˈvɛnt /

verb

1. (tr) to keep from happening, esp by taking precautionary action

2. to keep (someone from doing something); hinder; impede

3. (intr) to interpose or act as a hindrance

4. archaic,  (tr) to anticipate or precede

Other Word Forms

• preventable adjective
• preventability noun
• preventably adverb
• preventible adjective
• preventabilty noun
• preventingly adverb
• nonpreventable adjective
• nonpreventible adjective
• quasi-prevented adjective
• unpreventable adjective
• unprevented adjective
• unpreventible adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin praeventus “anticipated,” past participle of praevenīre “to anticipate,” equivalent to prae- pre- ( def. ) + venīre “to come”

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevent¹

C15: from Latin praevenīre, from prae before + venīre to come

Synonym Study

Prevent, hamper, hinder, impede refer to different degrees of stoppage of action or progress. To prevent is to stop something effectually by forestalling action and rendering it impossible: to prevent the sending of a message. To hamper is to clog or entangle or put an embarrassing restraint upon: to hamper preparations for a trip. To hinder is to keep back by delaying or stopping progress or action: to hinder the progress of an expedition. To impede is to make difficult the movement or progress of anything by interfering with its proper functioning: to impede a discussion by demanding repeated explanations.

Example Sentences

But across the United States there are safeguards to prevent or catch it.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Reynolds said she believes education is key to preventing future vandalism.

From BBC

Speaking only about the good prevents us from doing better and leads to a juvenile worldview that’s sadly taken hold in the White House and beyond.

From Los Angeles Times

And notably absent from it is the huge body of data showing mRNA vaccines actually prevent these harms.

From Salon

Meta said it had reinstated the lawyer's account and was taking steps to prevent the mistake recurring.

From BBC

Related Words

• avert 
• avoid 
• bar 
• block 
• counter 
• forbid 
• forestall 
• halt 
• hamper 
• hinder 
• impede 
• inhibit 
• limit 
• preclude 
• prohibit 
• put an end to 
• restrain 
• restrict 
• rule out 
• stop