Pronunciation

/preɪˈvent/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To stop something from happening or developing; to keep something from occurring. For example: “The security measures were put in place to prevent theft.”
• Noun: The act or process of preventing something; a measure taken to avoid a particular outcome. For example: “The prevention of disease is a public health priority.”

Phrases

• “Prevent a disaster” means to try to stop a catastrophic event from happening.
• “Preventive measures” are actions taken to anticipate and guard against potential problems.
• “Preventive healthcare” refers to services that aim to maintain good health and avoid illnesses.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The new security system was designed to prevent unauthorized access.”
• Noun: “Her daily exercise routine is a key part of her preventive lifestyle.”
• Phrasal Verb: “He tried to prevent the argument from escalating.”

Synonyms

• Halt
• Stop
• Block
• Forestall
• Intercept
• Avoid
• Guard against -杜绝不利

Antonyms

• Allow
• Enable
• Encourage
• Promote
• Invite

Usage Notes

• “Prevent” can be used with various objects, such as events, actions, or situations, and can also be followed by the infinitive or a noun.
• The prefix “pre-” suggests action before an event, indicating anticipation or readiness to stop it.