prevents

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

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.

See Examples For:

prevents

Some central banks could be forced to sell part of their gold reserves to stabilize their currencies as oil prices start to rise, which prevents gold from acting like a safe-haven asset.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

The resulting complex background prevents the coordinated motion needed for quasiparticles to exist.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026

There will also be one eye on Uefa's ruling which prevents multi-club owners from having more than one club in the Champions League.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

“You hold yourself accountable for saving and spending. And that in turn prevents you from aimless or unthinking financial behavior.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

Today Deirdre is alone, knees wobbling, and crying because, as much as she wants to believe in better days, her job prevents her from doing so.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera