Advertisement

View synonyms for prevent

prevent

[ pri-vent ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to keep from occurring; avert; hinder:

    He intervened to prevent bloodshed.

    Synonyms: thwart, obviate, preclude, forestall, obstruct

    Antonyms: assist, help

  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

/ prɪˈvɛnt /

verb

  1. tr to keep from happening, esp by taking precautionary action
  2. troften foll byfrom 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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • preˈventable, adjective
  • preˌventaˈbility, noun
  • preˈventably, adverb
Discover More

Other Words From

  • 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
Discover More

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”
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevent1

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

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.
Discover More

Example Sentences

"This may allow the exterior door buttons to remain in the depressed position and prevent the door from fully latching," the document said.

From BBC

A government spokesperson said legislation would now be amended to incorporate Mr Hall's recommendations, adding today's report was "an important step" towards preventing an attack like this from happening again.

From BBC

Last week, Trump said the letter proposed talks on a deal that would prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and avert possible military action.

From BBC

Temporary Protected Status allows people to legally reside and work in the U.S. if they face conditions — such as war or environmental disasters — that would prevent a safe return to their homelands.

But she has reiterated that Trump legally can’t force the state to violate its own law, the Maine Human Rights Act, which prevents discrimination based on gender identity.

From Salon

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


prevenient graceprevent defense