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.

In response, a safeguarding group made up of the club, the FA and the local authority decided to prevent Sullivan from having access to his own club's youth and women's teams.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

There will be clear rules to prevent misspending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

"As a result, those individuals were unaware of the breach and deprived of the opportunity to take steps to prevent secondary harm."

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The Metropolitan Police is calling on tech firms to make stolen phones harder to reuse and prevent criminals from profiting.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

On March 11, they needed those instruments to prevent a meltdown.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Vocabulary lists containing prevent

"Handle with Care"

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The Search Is Over: Synonyms for "Stop"

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1.7.B Using Ice to Keep Orange Groves Warm

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