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

Hirst also made a restraining order which prevents McEvoy contacting the children.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

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

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

Her house manager, Sabrina Thompson, both relieves the household logistics and prevents things from piling up, part of the job requirement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026

She feels Geak bounce slightly on her back as she catches her balance and prevents herself from a fall in the mud.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung