/prɪˈvent/

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Meaning

To stop something from happening before it starts.

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Word origin

From Latin praevenire, meaning to come before: you arrive first and stop the thing happening.

Origin
Latin
Root
praevenire
English cognates
event, adventure

Grammar

Verb typeregular (prevent, prevents, prevented)

Examples

.

To prevent something is to stop it before it happens.

.

Note the pattern: prevent someone FROM doing something.

.

Here the brakes stop accidents from happening at all.

Where this fits

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English · Free printables

prevent: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the English word "prevent" (To stop something from happening before it starts.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is taught in chapter 28, lesson 2: prevent, paradise, meantime and 7 more words.