51Թ

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View synonyms for

prevent

[pri-vent]

verb (used with object)

  1. to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.

    He intervened to prevent bloodshed.

    Synonyms: , , , ,
    Antonyms: ,
  2. to hinder or stop from doing something.

    There is nothing to prevent us from going.

  3. Archaic.to act ahead of; forestall.

  4. Archaic.to precede.

  5. Archaic.to anticipate.



verb (used without object)

  1. to interpose a hindrance.

    He will come if nothing prevents.

prevent

/ ɪˈɛԳ /

verb

  1. (tr) to keep from happening, esp by taking precautionary action

  2. to keep (someone from doing something); hinder; impede

  3. (intr) to interpose or act as a hindrance

  4. archaic(tr) to anticipate or precede

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • preventable adjective
  • preventible adjective
  • preventabilty noun
  • preventingly adverb
  • nonpreventable adjective
  • nonpreventible adjective
  • quasi-prevented adjective
  • unpreventable adjective
  • unprevented adjective
  • unpreventible adjective
  • ˈԳٲ adjective
  • ˌԳٲˈٲ noun
  • ˈԳٲ adverb
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of prevent1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin praeventus “anticipated,” past participle of 𱹱ī “to anticipate,” equivalent to prae- pre- ( def. ) + ī “to come”
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of prevent1

C15: from Latin 𱹱ī, from prae before + ī 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.

The UK last announced it had deployed jets to the region last year, when the government said British aircraft had been playing a role in preventing escalation.

From

Across the country, women have been turned away from emergency rooms after suffering ectopic pregnancies, which require an emergency abortion to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.

From

She later discovered she was falsely accused of stealing about £10 worth of items after her profile was added to a facial recognition watchlist to prevent shoplifting.

From

But he said Austria's legal system prevented the army from passing on the results of such tests.

From

None of the officials in the room, several of whom know Padilla, intervened to prevent the action by the agents, who eventually pushed the senator, face down, onto the ground, before handcuffing him.

From

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prevenient graceprevent defense