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.

Speaking at his annual news conference before the NBA All-Star Game, commissioner Adam Silver warned that current punishments to prevent teams from gaming the system that allocates top new players are "not working."

From Barron's

They had agreed that if a sibling wants to cash out, the remaining owners would buy their share to prevent the farm from being sold to outsiders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since then, £165m of public money has been spent to try to prevent it happening again.

From BBC

They would also consider if Luiz would have been able to get across to prevent the shot.

From BBC

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since his father was overthrown and replaced by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, urged an outside "humanitarian intervention to prevent more innocent lives" being lost in Iran.

From Barron's

prevent

Example Sentences

Related Words