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 means implementing strong guardrails that prevent models from generating harmful content, engaging in deceptive practices, or making decisions that violate human rights.
—
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Among them are those the provide access to transportation, prevent social isolation, deliver meals and offer assistance with Medicare and Medicaid.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The looming presence of this political specter is seldom tethered to the ongoing rigamarole, except in the minor instance of Yahya being prevented, by the Israeli authority, from traveling to the West Bank to see his mother.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025
The guardianship legally prevents Haron from removing or having contact with Taube without permission.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Among them are those the provide access to transportation, prevent social isolation, deliver meals and offer assistance with Medicare and Medicaid.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The looming presence of this political specter is seldom tethered to the ongoing rigamarole, except in the minor instance of Yahya being prevented, by the Israeli authority, from traveling to the West Bank to see his mother.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025
The guardianship legally prevents Haron from removing or having contact with Taube without permission.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 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 28 May. 2025.
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