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prevent Definition

pre·vent (prē vent′, pri-)

transitive verb

  1. Obsolete
    1. to act in anticipation of (an event or a fixed time)
    2. to anticipate (a need, objection, etc.)
    3. to precede
  2. to stop or keep (from doing something)
  3. to keep from happening; make impossible by prior action; hinder

Etymology: ME preventen < L praeventus, pp. of praevenire, to anticipate < prae-, before (see pre-) + venire, to come

intransitive verb

to interpose an obstacle

prevent Related Forms
pre·vent′·able adjective or pre·vent′·ible pre·vent′er noun
prevent Synonyms

prevent

v.

preclude, obviate, forestall, avert, anticipate, block, arrest, stop, thwart, debar, repress, interrupt, halt, hinder, impede, check, frustrate, balk, foil, retard, obstruct, counter, countercheck, counteract, inhibit, restrict, limit, hold back, hold off, stop from, deter, intercept, override, circumvent, bar, ward off, keep from happening, nip in the bud, put a stop to, stave off, fend off, draw off, turn aside, rule out; see also hinder, restrain 1.

Antonyms permit, aid, encourage*.

to prevent is to stop or keep from happening or doing, as by some prior action or by interposing an obstacle or impediment to prevent disease, to prevent them from leaving; forestall suggests advance action to stop something in its course or make it ineffective try to forestall their questions; preclude implies making impossible by shutting off every possibility of occurrence locked doors precluded my escape ; obviate suggests the preventing of some unfavorable outcome by taking necessary anticipatory measures her frankness obviated objections; avert suggests a warding off of imminent danger or misfortune hoping that diplomacy would avert war

prevent Usage Examples

Object

  • spread: The Minister has powers under the Weeds Act 1959 to require an occupier of land to prevent the spread of creeping thistle.
  • damage: We've sourced quality, attractive and strong mailing tubes to help prevent possible damage in transit.
  • recurrence: It is vital to take the whole course of treatment to prevent recurrence of the infection.
  • infection: Or by preventing infection of an existing infected farm within a new isolate.
  • injury: That's not to say that it's the ideal way to prevent injuries, however!
  • fraud: States and counties are using fingerprinting to prevent welfare fraud.

Subject

  • vaccination: It sets back their growth for weeks, and can be prevented by vaccination.

Noun phrase with adjective complement

  • due: This valuable capability prevents false alarms due to breach of entry/exit delay settings.
  • such: Tree roots help to prevent soil erosion such as on slopes and riverbanks.

Adjective complement

  • illegal: Prevent illegal working Most employers who have illegal workers know that the workers are illegal.

Modifying Another Word

  • thereby: If however an electric field is applied it has the effect of depolarizing the membrane and thereby preventing ATP synthesis.
  • thus: The steam powered pump has no moving parts or constrictions thus preventing blocking and saving on maintenance.

Present participle complement

  • overheat: The entrance block provides some shading to the wings to prevent overheating in the summer afternoon sun.
  • scar: Trabio&#8482; is being developed as a treatment to prevent scarring in the eye following glaucoma surgery.
  • slip: Slip mats and grab rails can help to prevent slipping accidents especially where showers are located over baths.
  • stain: Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining.
  • crack: Their rinds are always kept moist to prevent cracking.
  • dry: The timber only requires a general feed with wood preservative every two years to prevent drying out.

Preposition: by

  • vaccination: It sets back their growth for weeks, and can be prevented by vaccination.
prevent Quotes

We want better reasons for having children than not knowing how to prevent them.

—Beauchamp pseudonym Elizabeth

Wehavenever had toput awall up tokeep our peoplein, to prevent them from leaving us.

—Kennedy,John F(itzgerald)