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Definition of prevent

prevent

/prɪˈvɛnt/
pre · vent
Adverb:preventively
•
Adjective:preventive
•
Past Simple:prevented
•
Past Participle:prevented
•
Present Participle:preventing
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prevent Lexical Profile

prevent Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To keep something from happening or arising by taking advance action or precautionary measures.

Example

"Regular handwashing is one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of seasonal illnesses."

2

To stop, hinder, or make it impossible for someone to do something.

Example

"Heavy snowfall on the mountain pass prevented the delivery trucks from reaching the town on schedule."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for prevent

• Nearby Words

prevalence
prevalent
prevalently
prevent
preventable
preventably
preventatively

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 15th century from Latin 'praeventus', the past participle of 'praevenire', meaning 'to come before, anticipate, or hinder', formed from 'prae-' (before) and 'venire' (to come).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Prevent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/prevent
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