|
|
Definition of Prevent
1. Verb. Keep from happening or arising; make impossible. "Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project"
Specialized synonyms: Make Unnecessary, Save, Avert, Avoid, Debar, Deflect, Fend Off, Forefend, Forfend, Head Off, Obviate, Stave Off, Ward Off, Block, Blockade, Embarrass, Hinder, Obstruct, Stymie, Stymy, Baffle, Bilk, Cross, Foil, Frustrate, Queer, Scotch, Spoil, Thwart, Block, Halt, Kibosh, Stop
Derivative terms: Forestalling, Preclusion, Preventative, Preventive
2. Verb. Stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state. "They prevent him from writing the letter"; "Keep the child from eating the marbles"
Specialized synonyms: Defend, Exclude, Keep Out, Shut, Shut Out, Hold, Keep Away, Blank, Hinder, Impede, Rain Out, Wash Out
Related verbs: Keep
Antonyms: Let
Derivative terms: Preventative, Prevention, Preventive
Definition of Prevent
1. v. t. To go before; to precede; hence, to go before as a guide; to direct.
2. v. i. To come before the usual time.
Definition of Prevent
1. Verb. (transitive) To stop; to keep (from happening). (defdate from 16th c.) ¹
2. Verb. (context: intransitive now rare) To take preventative measures. (defdate from 16th c.) ¹
3. Verb. (obsolete transitive) To come before; to precede. (defdate 16th-18th c.) ¹
4. Verb. (obsolete transitive) To outdo, surpass. (defdate 16th-17th c.) ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Prevent
1. to keep from happening [v -ED, -ING, -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Prevent
Literary usage of Prevent
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation by Jeremy Bentham (1823)
"I. WE have seen that the general object of all laws is to prevent mischief; ...
But if a man must needs commit an offence to prevent . . . the worst, ..."
2. The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York by Daniel Defoe (1790)
"... and to keep guard in the cook-room, to prevent the men's taking it to eat raw,
or taking it out of the pot before it was well boiled, and then to give ..."
3. Proceedings by Philadelphia County Medical Society (1905)
"The joint is of the French lock pattern with a sufficiently wide bearing surface
to prevent lateral motion. The French lock permits ready removal for ..."
4. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"The obligation of the community not to discourage, hinder and prevent super
performance is even greater than to prevent slacking. ..."
Other Resources:
Malayalam