Word
prevent
Phoneticspre·vent, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈvɛnt/
UK/pɹɪvˈɛnt/
Definitions
01to stop an event
A2 · Elementary
v. to stop something from happening before it starts.
v. to keep an event or situation from occurring through prior action.
“The new laws were designed to prevent accidents on the highway.”
“The rapid intervention of the fire department prevented the small blaze from spreading to the adjacent residential buildings.”
Usage
Often used with 'from' followed by a gerund (-ing form).
Pitfall
The rain prevented the game to start.
The rain prevented the game from starting.
Do not use an infinitive after 'prevent'. Use the pattern 'prevent something from happening'.
02to stop a person
A2 · Elementary
v. to make it impossible for someone to do something.
v. to hinder or stop someone from carrying out an action.
“A heavy cold prevented her from going to the party.”
“Strict security protocols prevented the unauthorised visitors from entering the laboratory without a senior staff member present.”
Usage
Follows the pattern 'prevent someone from doing something'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “prevent” in context.
Confusables
Avoid is staying away from a person or thing; prevent is stopping an event from occurring.
RememberAvoid the person; prevent the problem.
Etymology
From Middle English preventen (“anticipate”), from Latin praeventus, perfect passive participle of praeveniō (“I anticipate”), from prae (“before”) + veniō (“I come”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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