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.

She quickly discovered that available pelvic models have hard plastic shells around the cervix where providers practice injecting; this prevents trainees from getting the necessary tactile feedback to learn where to inject.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026

—Use incognito or private browsing mode, which prevents cookies from persisting between sessions and makes it harder for sites to recognize you as a returning visitor, though many sites have tracking mechanisms other than cookies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

If he is charged and found guilty, he could be punished with a ban that prevents him from working in English football.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

It prevents their deportation to their home country, one of the poorest in the world and one ravaged by political instability, economic crisis and gang violence.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

“Like you said, you can only buy six tickets. Six tickets at a time. There’s nothing that prevents someone from buying six tickets, then getting back in line and buying six more tickets.”

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar