prevent
[verb]
Synonyms: stop, avert, avoid, foil, forestall, frustrate, hamper, hinder, impede, inhibit, obstruct, obviate, preclude, thwart

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Antonyms: permit
Contrasted words: allow, leave, let, suffer
Related Words: baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart, arrest, check, interrupt, bar, block, dam, hinder, impede, obstruct, debar, shut out, forbid, inhibit, interdict, prohibit

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

pre‧vent S2 W1 /prɪˈvent/ verb [transitive]
[Word Family: adjective: preventable, PREVENTIVE/PREVENTATIVE; verb: prevent; noun: prevention; adverb: PREVENTIVELY/PREVENTATIVELY]
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of praevenire 'to come before']
to stop something from happening, or stop someone from doing something:
The rules are intended to prevent accidents.
prevent somebody/something (from) doing something
His back injury may prevent him from playing in tomorrow’s game.
We were prevented from entering the site.
Wrap small ornaments in paper to prevent them being damaged.
—preventable adjective:
preventable diseases
Every one of these deaths is preventable.

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In everyday English, people usually say stop somebody/something (from) doing something rather than prevent somebody/something (from) doing something:
This barrier is to stop people from coming in without a ticket.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

prevent
verb
ADV. effectively, successfully This new legislation effectively prevents us from trading.
forcibly, physically
VERB + PREVENT be able/unable to, can/could No one can prevent you from attending this meeting.
attempt to, seek to, take action/steps to, try to | help (to) A good sun cream will help prevent sunburn.
be designed to | be/do nothing to There was nothing to prevent him setting up in business on the premises. The whole affair is an outrage and the authorities have done nothing to prevent it.
PREP. from They took action to prevent the disease from spreading.
PHRASES aimed at preventing sth new measures aimed at preventing accidents
action/measures to prevent sth, an attempt to prevent sth, in order to prevent sth Action must be swift in order to prevent further damage.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

prevent
verb
1.
BAD: Stricter punishments would prevent people from doing these things.
GOOD: Stricter punishments would deter people from doing these things.

Usage Note:
prevent = stop someone from doing something: 'They locked all the doors to prevent him escaping.'
deter = discourage someone from doing something: 'Tougher laws are needed to deter people from drinking and driving.'

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2.
BAD: Stricter punishments may help to prevent society from serious crime.
GOOD: Stricter punishments may help to protect society from serious crime.

Usage Note:
prevent = stop something from happening: 'Bad weather prevented the plane from taking off.' 'Good tyres help to prevent accidents.'
protect = keep someone or something safe: 'The camera comes with a free leather carrying case to protect it.' 'It is the responsibility of the police and the courts to protect us from these killers and maniacs.'

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3.
BAD: His parents tried to prevent him to join the army.
GOOD: His parents tried to prevent him from joining the army.

Usage Note:
prevent sb (from) doing sth : 'Girls should not be prevented from taking part in these sports.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲