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.

Players and referees will need to adjust to several new rules being rolled out at the World Cup, including teams being required to make substitutions inside 10 seconds to prevent time-wasting.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

The aim is to refine how we interpret the past while finding new ways on how to prevent dental disease today.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

She said she was on the ground to prevent "tensions escalating" and the protests passed without serious incident and "that did not happen by accident".

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

She said she hoped that education, training and the expansion of legal places to ride would prevent an all-out ban on e-motos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Would her instruction to think of the chickens as baby dodos be enough to prevent mayhem?

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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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