prevent

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state

   We must prevent the cancer from spreading

2. 2
   verb

   To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).

   I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.

3. 3
   verb

   To take preventative measures.

   I think you must be mad, and she shall not have a glimpse of it while I'm here to prevent!

4. 4
   verb

   To come before; to precede.

   We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us.

5. 5
   verb

   To outdo, surpass.

   With that he put his spurres vnto his steed, / With speare in rest, and toward him did fare, / Like shaft out of a bow preuenting speed.

6. 6
   verb

   To be beforehand with; to anticipate.

   their ready guilt preventing thy commands

7. 7
   verb

   keep from happening or arising

Etymology

From Middle English preventen (“anticipate”), from Latin praeventus, perfect passive participle of praeveniō (“to anticipate”), from prae (“before”) + veniō (“to come”).