prevent
Translation
to prevent, to stop, to hinder
Examples
We must prevent the spread of the virus.
We must prevent the spread of the virus.
The rain prevented us from going out.
The rain prevented us from going out.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to prevent (sth.) We must prevent accidents.
((sb./sth.)) ((from -ing)) to prevent (sb./sth.) from (doing sth.) The noise prevented me from sleeping.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stop, hinder, avert; Antonyms: allow, permit, cause
Etymology
From Latin 'praevenire' meaning 'to come before, anticipate', from prae- 'before' + venire 'to come'. The meaning shifted to 'hinder'.
Memory Tips
To 'pre-vent' is to put a vent or block in place *before* something happens.