English Explanatory Dictionary

prevent

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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

Pronunciation

/pɹɪˈvɛnt/ en-us-prevent.ogg /pɹəˈvɛnt/

Word forms

prevent prevents preventing prevented prævent

Etymology

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

Synonyms

throttle anticipate avert

Derived words

preventability preventable preventative prevent defense preventer preventible preventingly prevention preventive preventor preventory unpreventability unprevented
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