Prevent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prevent
[prɪˈvɛnt ]
Definitions
from danger
To stop something from happening or someone from doing something by taking action in advance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevent |
Use when you want to stop something from happening before it starts.
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| stop |
Use when you want to bring something to an end.
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| avoid |
Use when you want to stay away from something or make sure it does not affect you.
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| hinder |
Use when you want to indicate that something is making progress slow or difficult.
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| thwart |
Use when you want to indicate that you are preventing someone from achieving a goal, usually deliberately. It often has a negative or stronger connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He installed an alarm system to prevent burglaries.
- She took vitamins to prevent getting sick.
- Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease.
- The new law aims to prevent discrimination in the workplace.
from doing something
To make it impossible for something to happen or someone to do something, especially something bad.
Synonyms
bar, forbid, obstruct, prohibit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevent |
Use when taking action to stop something from happening before it occurs.
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| prohibit |
Use to officially ban something by law, rule, or other authority. This word generally conveys a formal or legal restriction.
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| forbid |
Use to express strong prohibition, often used with authority or power over someone. This word can have a negative connotation.
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| obstruct |
Use when something physically blocks the way or progress of something else.
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| bar |
Use when formally or officially stopping someone from doing something or from entering a place. This word can have a legal or formal connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The lock on the door prevents it from opening.
- His injury prevented him from playing in the game.
- She wore sunglasses to prevent herself from squinting in the sun.
from happening
Something that is done to stop an unwanted event from happening.
Synonyms
defence, protection, safeguard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prevent |
Useful when talking about stopping something from happening, often related to health, safety, or unwanted events.
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| safeguard |
Typically used when talking about measures or policies put in place to protect something, often more formal or procedural.
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| protection |
Generally used to describe the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm or danger, often in broader, more general contexts than 'defence'.
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| defence |
Commonly used in legal or military contexts to describe the act of protecting against an attack or criticism.
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Examples of usage
- Vaccines are a prevention against disease.
- Fire alarms are a prevention against fires.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Preventative care in health means actions like vaccinations that stop diseases before they can start.
- Studies show that lifestyle changes can significantly prevent illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Awareness campaigns focus on preventing illnesses through education about hygiene and disease transmission.
Technology
- Firewalls are used in cybersecurity to prevent unauthorized access to private networks.
- Preventative maintenance on machines ensures they run smoothly and don’t break down unexpectedly.
- In software development, bugs are prevented through testing at every stage before the final release.
Environmental Conservation
- Preventing pollution is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting wildlife.
- Recycling and reducing waste help prevent landfill overflow and environmental degradation.
- Global efforts to prevent climate change focus on reducing carbon emissions and conserving energy.
Literature & Rhetoric
- In literature, characters often attempt to prevent a tragedy, showcasing themes of intervention and fate.
- Many rhetorical strategies aim to prevent misunderstandings by clarifying ideas before they become contentious.
- The narrative arc often revolves around attempts to prevent an unfavorable outcome, creating tension in the story.
Origin of 'prevent'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'prevent' comes from the Latin 'praevenire,' meaning 'to come before.'
- It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, originally spelled as 'preven.'
- The prefix 'pre-' means 'before,' which helps understand how to stop something ahead of time.
The word 'prevent' originated from the Latin word 'praeventus', which means 'to come before' or 'anticipate'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. The concept of prevention has always been important in various aspects of life, from health to security. By taking action in advance, people can avoid negative consequences and maintain safety. The word 'prevent' continues to be widely used in discussions about risk management and proactive measures.
See also: invent, vent, ventilate, ventilation, ventral, venture.