Definitions

prevent

[pri-vent] / prɪˈvɛnt /

VERB

keep from happening or continuing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert avoid bar block counter forbid forestall halt hamper hinder impede inhibit limit preclude prohibit put an end to restrain restrict rule out stop thwart ward off

STRONG

anticipate arrest baffle balk check chill cool cork counteract dam debar foil forfend frustrate intercept interdict interrupt obstruct obviate repress retard

WEAK

dead-end defend against head off hold back hold off keep lid on nip in the bud put a stop to shut out stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow approve assist continue encourage facilitate forward free help let go open permit promote push release support

STRONG

abet heat liberate warm

WEAK

cause

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Those criticised included Lancashire Police, the government's counter-extremism service Prevent, various NHS mental health services, Lancashire County Council, elements of children's social care, youth offending services and a broader "multi-agency" approach.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

A review published in February 2025 found Ali's Prevent case was closed too early after "problematic" assessments.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

People should be screened for their risk of cardiovascular disease starting at age 30, using an AHA online calculator called Prevent that measures risk based on a person’s cholesterol, blood pressure, and other indicators.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The same is true if they have a family history of atherosclerotic disease at an early age or a high risk of developing it over the next three decades as measured by the Prevent calculator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Prevent the poison from traveling toward the heart and brain by putting on at once a tourniquet between the wound and the heart.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)

Vocabulary lists containing prevent

"Handle with Care"

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The Search Is Over: Synonyms for "Stop"

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1.7.B Using Ice to Keep Orange Groves Warm

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