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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“Regular maintenance can prevent equipment failure.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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