prevented; preventing; prevents
1
: to keep from happening or existing
steps to prevent war
3
: to deprive of power or hope of acting or succeeding
4
archaic
a
: to be in readiness for (something, such as an occasion)
b
: to meet or satisfy in advance
c
: to act ahead of
d
: to go or arrive before
: to interpose an obstacle
preventer
noun
Examples of prevent in a Sentence
Seatbelts in cars often prevent serious injuries.
Can exercise and a healthy diet prevent heart disease?
The accident could have been prevented.
He grabbed my arm to prevent me from falling.
Bad weather prevented us from leaving.
How are you going to prevent him from finding out about the party?
Recent Examples on the Web
This natural compound may help improve back acne and prevent or fade dark spots that develop after a breakout.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
According to Yau, those with acne-prone skin should reach for a stainless steel gua sha—unlike natural stone, stainless steel is non-porous and anti-bacterial, preventing unwanted breakouts and aggravating easily congested skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Advocates and government agencies say doubling down on those strategies could help prevent more pedestrian deaths in the future.
—Adam Tamburin, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
However, during intake, BOP staff confiscate and discard all medications, citing efforts to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
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Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
According to Yau, those with acne-prone skin should reach for a stainless steel gua sha—unlike natural stone, stainless steel is non-porous and anti-bacterial, preventing unwanted breakouts and aggravating easily congested skin.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
Advocates and government agencies say doubling down on those strategies could help prevent more pedestrian deaths in the future.
—Adam Tamburin, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
However, during intake, BOP staff confiscate and discard all medications, citing efforts to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Cite this Entry
“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevent. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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