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.

The government took control of the Scunthorpe plant, which employs 2,700 staff - about three-quarters of the company's workforce - on 12 April 2025 to prevent the last two remaining blast furnaces from closing.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The base, Bluie East Two, was built in 1942 as part of a network of 17 U.S. bases constructed across Greenland during World War II, partly to prevent Nazi Germany—which occupied Denmark—from taking the island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

It means vaccine developers can now modify the adenovirus protein to prevent this issue and improve vaccine safety.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Labor union negotiations are scheduled over the weekend as efforts continue to prevent a Tuesday strike that would shut down all schools operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The best way to prevent a conflict with Cadet Mason is to keep your distance, she’d said, like it was easy to do in a class as small as ours.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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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