vor|beugen
Translation
to prevent, to guard against, to obviate
Examples
Man kann Krankheiten vorbeugen.
One can prevent illnesses.
Wir müssen dem Problem vorbeugen.
We must prevent the problem.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.dat)) to prevent (sth.) One can prevent an illness.
Similar Words
verhindern (to prevent), verhüten (to prevent)
Etymology
From 'vor-' (before, forward) + 'beugen' (to bend). The idea is to 'bend before' something happens, i.e., to take action beforehand.
Memory Tips
Imagine building a wall ('bending' a barrier) 'before' (vor-) a problem arrives to stop it.