Prevent

/pɹɪˈvɛnt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
2. (intransitive, now rare) To take preventative measures.
3. (obsolete, transitive) To come before; to precede.
4. (obsolete, transitive) To outdo, surpass.
5. (obsolete, transitive) To be beforehand with; to anticipate.

Example Sentences

I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.

Barriers have been put up to prevent more people (from) entering the stadium.

Scotland must now hope Georgia produce a huge upset and beat Argentina by at least eight points in Sunday's final Pool B match to prevent them failing to make the last eight for the first time in World Cup history.

I think you must be mad, and she shall not have a glimpse of it while I'm here to prevent!

We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us.

We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Then had I come, preventing Sheba's Queen, / To ſee the comelieſt of the Sons of Men; […]

With that he put his spurres vnto his steed, / With speare in rest, and toward him did fare, / Like shaft out of a bow preuenting speed.

Synonyms for prevent

Antonyms for prevent

Related Words

Word Forms

• prevents
• preventing
• prevented
• prævent

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions