Prevent

/prɪˈvɛnt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To keep something from happening or to stop something from occurring.

The new safety measures are designed to prevent accidents in the workplace.

To hinder or obstruct someone from doing something.

His injury may prevent him from participating in the marathon this year.

To make something impossible.

Vaccinations can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

From Latin 'praeventus', past participle of 'praevenire', meaning 'to come before' or 'to anticipate'.

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.

prevention

The act of stopping something from happening.

preventable

Able to be stopped or avoided.

To block or stop something from happening.

He totally prevented that argument from escalating.

To keep something under control.

They were able to prevent the chaos from spreading.