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

That, the whistleblower account warned, could lead to a “catastrophic failure” that prevents millions of Americans from voting.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

“I’ve found that it really helps brighten the skin, even the skin tone, prevents breakouts and also just helps with smell,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

However, because the research was observational, it cannot establish that taking statins directly prevents dementia.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026

The fine print in the bill states that the company must have a plan that prevents top executives from receiving “short-term” bonuses after a fire that results in 500 or more structures damaged.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

Similarly, confinement prevents one having a single gluon on its own, because gluons also have color.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking