vor|beugen
Translation
to prevent, to guard against
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.) You can prevent an illness.
Similar Words
verhindern (to prevent), verhüten (to prevent)
Etymology
Composed of 'vor-' (before) and 'beugen' (to bend). It conveys the sense of 'bending' a path away from a bad outcome 'before' it occurs.
Memory Tips
Think of it as leaning 'forward' (vorbeugen also means this) to see a problem coming and then taking action to prevent it.