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

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.