Prevent
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pɹɪˈvɛnt/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Prevent is a verb meaning (transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
Meaning
(transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
More Meanings
- (intransitive, now rare) To take preventative measures.
- (obsolete, transitive) To come before; to precede.
- (obsolete, transitive) To outdo, surpass.
- (obsolete, transitive) To be beforehand with; to anticipate.
Example Sentences
I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.
We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us.
Barriers have been put up to prevent more people (from) entering the stadium.
Then had I come, preventing Sheba's Queen, / To ſee the comelieſt of the Sons of Men; […]
Word Forms
- prevents
- preventing
- prevented
Synonyms for prevent
Depending on context, synonyms include throttle, anticipate, avert, preclude, forestall, keep.
Antonyms for prevent
Common opposites include allow, permit, let.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include forestall, preclude, forbid, keep, foreclose, obviate.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “prevent” in a Crossword
Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.