Home Dictionary Pprevent

prevent

prevent

Transitive Verb

past: preventedpp: preventeding: preventing

This word conveys a sense of proactive intervention to ensure a specific outcome does not occur. It differs from stop, which often describes interrupting an action already in progress, by focusing on the anticipation of an event to keep it from starting in the first place.

In medical and legal contexts, it carries a strong connotation of systemic or strategic avoidance. It is frequently paired with the preposition from, creating a structural barrier between the subject and the prohibited action.

Meanings

Transitive Verbprevent

[~ something][~ someone from doing something]

To stop something from happening or someone from doing something.

The new law is designed to prevent tax evasion.

Transitive Verbprevent

[~ someone/something]

To obstruct or hinder the progress of someone or something.

The heavy snow prevented the rescue team from reaching the village.

Examples

We must prevent the fire.

Prevent the leak now.

I want to prevent it.

The lock prevented the theft.

He tried to prevent the crash.

Rain prevented us from going out.

Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease.

Health

The firewall prevents unauthorized access to data.

Office

A magic barrier prevented the demon from entering.

Fantasy

Strict protocols were implemented to prevent systemic failure.

Business

The treaty was signed to prevent further conflict.

History

I deeply regret that I could not prevent this tragedy.

Apology

Phrasal Verbs

prevent from

to stop someone or something from doing a specific action

The security guards prevented the protesters from entering the building.

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error