prevent

Definition

  • verb: to stop (something) from happening or existing
  • verb: to be in readiness for (as an occasion)
  • often used without 'from' in British English
  • synonyms: anticipate, intercept, hinder

Examples

  • How are you going to 'prevent' him 'from' finding out about the party?

  • Can exercise and a healthy diet 'prevent' heart disease?

  • Many of these deaths were 'preventable'. [='avoidable']

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) - Leave him out of this. MIKE: Are you sure these look legit? - Oh, yeah. Look who you're talking to. I'm the guy who invented the software that prevents people from stealing music. I also invented the software that helps people steal music... ...but that's a happy coincidence. MIKE: What is that? (..)
    2009 17 Again