Skip to main content

prevent — to stop something from happening or someone from doing something

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to stop something from happening or someone from doing something

Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈvent/

Example Sentences

  • The umbrella prevented me from getting wet, but it couldn't prevent me from looking like a sad penguin.
  • Wearing a mask can prevent the spread of viruses.
  • My mom prevented me from eating ice cream for breakfast by hiding it behind the vegetables.

prevent

VERB

[/prɪˈvent/]

to stop something from happening or someone from doing something

The lifeguard's quick whistle helped prevent a serious accident at the pool.
💡 Concept

The lifeguard's quick whistle helped prevent a serious accident at the pool.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/prɪˈvent/
🇬🇧 UK/prɪˈvent/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootvent

Origin

From Latin 'praevenire', combining 'prae' (before) and 'venire' (to come), literally meaning 'to come before' or 'to anticipate'. The word evolved through Old French into Middle English with the sense of stopping something before it happens.

Breakdown

pre- (before) + vent (from Latin venire, to come) = prevent (to come before/stop beforehand)

🎵Rhyme

event
rent
sent
tent

🔗Collocations

prevent disease
prevent accidents
prevent someone from doing
prevent damage
prevent crime
effectively prevent

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The umbrella prevented me from getting wet, but it couldn't prevent me from looking like a sad penguin.”

“Wearing a mask can prevent the spread of viruses.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom prevented me from eating ice cream for breakfast by hiding it behind the vegetables.”

“Regular maintenance can prevent equipment failure.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.