View synonyms for prevent

prevent

[ pri-vent ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to keep from occurring; avert; hinder:
He intervened to prevent bloodshed.
Synonyms: thwart, obviate, preclude, forestall, obstruct
Antonyms: assist, help
to hinder or stop from doing something:
There is nothing to prevent us from going.
Archaic. to act ahead of; forestall.
Archaic. to precede.
Archaic. to anticipate.

verb (used without object)

to interpose a hindrance:
He will come if nothing prevents.

prevent

/ prɪˈvɛnt /

verb

tr to keep from happening, esp by taking precautionary action
troften foll byfrom to keep (someone from doing something); hinder; impede
intr to interpose or act as a hindrance
archaic.
tr to anticipate or precede

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Derived Forms

preˈventable, adjective
preˌventaˈbility, noun
preˈventably, adverb

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Other Word Forms

pre·venta·ble pre·venti·ble adjective
pre·venta·bilty noun
pre·venting·ly adverb
nonpre·venta·ble adjective
nonpre·venti·ble adjective
quasi-pre·vented adjective
unpre·venta·ble adjective
unpre·vented adjective
unpre·venti·ble adjective

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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”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of prevent¹

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

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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.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

These, and the platform's blue tick verification system, have been cited as tools to prevent misleading impersonation while allowing speech and discussion.

From BBC

"If you look at the goals we conceded, I think all three, we could have prevented them," Slot told BBC Match of the Day.

From BBC

Two shots of the immunization - proven safe - are 97% effective at preventing the virus and reduce severe infections.

From BBC

Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to the main pub building.

From BBC

But his tattoos are his problem – notable now mostly for the fact that they would very likely prevent him from entering the armed forces if he today sought to enlist.

From Salon

Related Words

prevenient grace prevent defense

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