unterbinden
Translation
to prevent, to stop, to suppress, to prohibit
Examples
Die Polizei unterband die Demonstration.
The police stopped the demonstration.
Er unterband jeden weiteren Kontaktversuch.
He prevented any further attempt at contact.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to prevent sth. The police unterband the illegal gathering.
Similar Words
verhindern (to prevent), stoppen (to stop), verbieten (to forbid)
Etymology
From 'unter-' (under) and 'binden' (to bind). Literally 'to bind under', implying suppression or stopping an action.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'binding' something 'under' the table to hide it and prevent its use. This visual helps remember the meaning 'to prevent'.