ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prevent

v.
US //pɹiˈvɛnt// UK //pɹɪvˈɛnt// pre·vent
  1. 1 to stop an event (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to stop something from happening before it starts.

    to keep an event or situation from occurring through prior action.

    Example

    The new laws were designed to prevent accidents on the highway.

    Example

    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'.

  2. 2 to stop a person (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to make it impossible for someone to do something.

    to hinder or stop someone from carrying out an action.

    Example

    A heavy cold prevented her from going to the party.

    Example

    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'.
Origin

From Middle English preventen (“anticipate”), from Latin praeventus, perfect passive participle of praeveniō (“I anticipate”), from prae (“before”) + veniō (“I come”).

Word family

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