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

  • (..) The Shah of Lugash. - Incredible. - All right, Francois. The Shah of Lugash. It seems the army are determined to prevent renewed fighting... between shoppers and market traders, by sealing the area around the president's palace. Supplies for the palace (..)
    1975 The Return of the Pink Panther