A2verb1K

UK/["/prɪˈvent/","/prɪˈvents/","/prɪˈventɪd/","/prɪˈventɪŋ/"]/US/["/prɪˈvent/","/prɪˈvents/","/prɪˈventɪd/","/prɪˈventɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Prevent

In simple words: To stop something from happening.

Prevent in a sentence

  • We need to prevent accidents on the road.
  • To prevent illness, wash your hands regularly.
  • The new laws aim to prevent pollution in the city.
  • They took steps to prevent further damage after the storm.
  • You can prevent water from freezing by adding salt.

How to use Prevent

Use 'prevent' when discussing actions that stop negative events. It is neutral, appropriate for everyday conversation. Avoid in very formal writing; use 'prohibit' or 'forbid' instead.

Grammar pattern

prevent + object + from + gerund

Memory hint

Think 'pre-vent' like putting a fence ('vent') before an event to stop it.

Related words

Collocations with Prevent

Synonyms for Prevent

Opposites of Prevent

Common mistakes with Prevent

  • Incorrectly using 'prevent' without an object, e.g., 'prevent from accidents' instead of 'prevent accidents from happening'.
  • Using the wrong preposition, like 'prevent to' instead of 'prevent from'.
  • Confusing 'prevent' with 'avoid'; 'prevent' is more about stopping something from occurring.

Compare Prevent with Stop, Hinder

Prevent appears in

Prevent in other languages

More words like Prevent

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Frequently asked questions about Prevent

What does Prevent mean?

To stop something from happening.

What is the definition of Prevent?

to stop somebody from doing something; to stop something from happening

How do you use Prevent in a sentence?

We need to prevent accidents on the road.

Can you give another example of Prevent?

To prevent illness, wash your hands regularly.

What are synonyms for Prevent?

Common alternatives include stop, hinder, keep from, forestall, obstruct.

What is the opposite of Prevent?

Opposite meanings include allow, permit, facilitate.

What words go with Prevent?

It commonly pairs with effectively, reliably, successfully, be able to, be unable to, can, from, aimed at preventing something, action to prevent something, measures to prevent something.

What are common mistakes when using Prevent?

Incorrectly using 'prevent' without an object, e.g., 'prevent from accidents' instead of 'prevent accidents from happening'. Using the wrong preposition, like 'prevent to' instead of 'prevent from'. Confusing 'prevent' with 'avoid'; 'prevent' is more about stopping something from occurring.

How do you pronounce Prevent?

US: /["/prɪˈvent/","/prɪˈvents/","/prɪˈventɪd/","/prɪˈventɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/prɪˈvent/","/prɪˈvents/","/prɪˈventɪd/","/prɪˈventɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Prevent?

Use 'prevent' when discussing actions that stop negative events. It is neutral, appropriate for everyday conversation. Avoid in very formal writing; use 'prohibit' or 'forbid' instead.

What CEFR level is Prevent?

"Prevent" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.