Meaning & Definition of word "Prevent"
to
Prevent
/prɪˈvɛnt/
verb:
- 1. To keep something from happening or to stop something from occurring.
- Example: The new safety measures are designed to prevent accidents in the workplace.
- 2. To hinder or obstruct someone from doing something.
- Example: His injury may prevent him from participating in the marathon this year.
- 3. To make something impossible.
- Example: Vaccinations can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Etymology
From Latin 'praeventus', past participle of 'praevenire', meaning 'to come before' or 'to anticipate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
preventive measures:
Actions taken to stop something undesirable from occurring.
to prevent something from happening:
To take action to ensure something does not occur.
preventative maintenance:
Routine work performed to avoid failures in equipment.
Related Words
prevention:
The act of stopping something from happening.
preventable:
Able to be stopped or avoided.
Slang Meanings of prevent
Meaning: To block or stop something from happening.
Example Sentence: He totally prevented that argument from escalating.
Meaning: To keep something under control.
Example Sentence: They were able to prevent the chaos from spreading.