prevent

CEFRA2

/pɹɪˈvɛnt/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To stop something from happening.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To come before; to precede.

Examples

  • European researchers say olive oil could help prevent cancer.

  • Nothing can prevent her from marrying him.

At a glance

Sits at A2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
3

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To take preventative measures.

  2. To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).

  3. To outdo, surpass.

More examples

In context

  • We must prevent a war by all possible means.

  • Barriers have been put up to prevent more people (from) entering the stadium.

  • I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Washing hands regularly can blank the spread of many infectious diseases.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

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