Prevent Meaning
/pɹɪˈvɛnt/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).
verbTo take preventative measures.
Sentence Examples
We must prevent a war by all possible means.
Nothing can prevent her from marrying him.
European researchers say olive oil could help prevent cancer.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Washing hands regularly can ____ the spread of many infectious diseases.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The vaccine was developed to ____ the spread of the disease before it could reach epidemic levels.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English preventen (“anticipate”), from Latin praeventus, perfect passive participle of praeveniō (“to anticipate”), from prae (“before”) + veniō (“to come”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Scotland must now hope Georgia produce a huge upset and beat Argentina by at least eight points in Sunday's final Pool B match to prevent them failing to make the last eight for the first time in World Cup history."
— 2011 October 1, Tom Fordyce, “Rugby World Cup 2011: England 16-12 Scotland”, in BBC Sport:
"I think you must be mad, and she shall not have a glimpse of it while I'm here to prevent!"
— 1897 October 16, Henry James, What Maisie Knew, Chicago, Ill.; New York, N.Y.: Herbert S. Stone & Co., →OCLC:
"We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us."
— 1549 March 7, Thomas Cranmer [et al.], compilers, The Booke of the Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacramentes, […], London: […] Edowardi Whitchurche […], →OCLC:
"We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Thessalonians 4:15:
"Then had I come, preventing Sheba's Queen, / To ſee the comelieſt of the Sons of Men; […]"
— 1718, Mat[thew] Prior, “Solomon on the Vanity of the World. A Poem in Three Books.”, in Poems on Several Occasions, London: […] Jacob Tonson […], and John Barber […], →OCLC, book II (Pleasure), page 448:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Washing hands regularly can ____ the spread of many infectious diseases.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The vaccine was developed to ____ the spread of the disease before it could reach epidemic levels.