ENGLISH
REFERENCE

preventing

v.
B1 Intermediate US //pɹiˈvɛnɪŋ// UK //pɹɪvˈɛntɪŋ// pre·vent·ing

v. stopping something from happening or keeping someone from doing something. You use this when you want to make sure a problem does not start.

v. acting to stop an event from occurring or to hinder a person from carrying out an action. The present participle form of 'prevent', often used in gerund constructions.


SIMPLE

Wearing a seatbelt is essential for preventing serious injuries.

CONTEXTUAL

The new security cameras are very effective at preventing shoplifting during the busy holiday season.

COMPLEX

By implementing stricter environmental regulations, the government aims at preventing further degradation of the local ecosystem while encouraging sustainable industrial growth.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Transitive verb; frequently followed by a direct object and the preposition 'from' plus a gerund.

Pitfall

preventing him to gopreventing him from goingThe verb 'prevent' takes the pattern 'prevent someone from doing something' rather than an infinitive with 'to'.

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