Meaning

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

Synonyms

Hinder

be in the way

take precautions

stand in the way of

work against

be an obstacle

block the way

keep at bay

refrain from

keep someone from doing

mitigate against

refuse permission

put in disorder

over-ride

over-rule

to be an obstacle

put between

drive back

interfere with

make impossible

Frequency

B2
Hyphenated as
pre‧vent
Pronounced as (IPA)
/pɹɪˈvɛnt/
Etymology

In summary

From Middle English preventen (“anticipate”), from Latin praeventus, perfect passive participle of praeveniō (“I anticipate”), from prae (“before”) + veniō (“I come”).

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