prevent

Meaning

1. (transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
2. (archaic, intransitive) 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.

Synonyms

hinder

stop

🛑

obstruct

impede

block

avert

forbid

forestall

check

inhibit

bar

deter

preclude

ward off

obviate

prohibit

restrain

thwart

keep

Hinder

hamper

defend

oppose

hold back

detain

protect

retard

delay

stave off

interrupt

intercept

disturb

anticipate

warn

halt

bother

ban

foreclose

avoid

guard against

hold

trammel

discourage

be in the way

head off

frustrate

restrict

curb

cumber

counteract

Translations

empêcher

🛑

impedir

verhindern

impedire

prevenire

hindern

verhinderen

vorbeugen

prevenir

prévenir

impedir

voorkomen

beletten

estorbar

proibire

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pɹɪˈvɛnt/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: preventen

In summary

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

Sentences

My daughter , you want to prevent us from working ?

Fearful of another tragedy , Curtis stopped the fight to prevent Weaver from further punishment .