prevent (/prɪˈvent/)
verb · Intermediate · Common Verbs
🔊 /prɪˈvent/
Meaning
Meaning: stop from happening
To stop something from happening or someone from doing something.
Examples
🗣 Washing your hands often can help prevent the spread of many common illnesses.
Etymology
From Latin ‘praevenire’ (to come before, anticipate).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in health, safety, and rules, often with ‘from’ plus a gerund.
Tags: action, safety