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.

Though serious, Parsons’ handsomeness prevents him from looking stereotypically nerdy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

But one problem with the meticulous budgeting of time is that it prevents the achievement of that sublime state: losing track of it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

More specifically, they claimed that the Virginia Constitution prevents amendments unless there is an intervening election in between the first time a proposed amendment is introduced and passed in the Legislature and the second time.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

“When the algorithm prevents people from saying ‘sex’ or ‘suicide’ or any other sensitive word, it becomes a proxy for human behavior.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Although he received his calling at his lowest and poorest, he tells Theo, as an old proverb says, “Poverty prevents good minds succeeding.”

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman