prevent
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /prɪˈvɛnt/
KK: /prɪˈvɛnt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stop something from happening or to make it impossible.
Example
Nothing can prevent us from achieving our goals.
Tense Forms
Past: prevented
Past Participle: prevented
Conversation
Are we still on for the picnic this weekend?
I hope so! But I heard there might be rain.
Yeah, I guess we’ll have to see if anything prevents us from going.
Exactly! If the weather clears up, it should be fine.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hinder
obstruct
impede
Antonyms
allow
facilitate
promote
transitive verb
Definition
To stop something from happening or to keep someone from doing something.
Example
The new law was designed to prevent accidents on the road.
Tense Forms
Past: prevented
Past Participle: prevented
Conversation
I really want to prevent any issues during the event planning.
That's a good idea! What steps do you have in mind?
I think we should set clear deadlines to prevent last-minute chaos.
Root Explanation
Prevent → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "venire" (meaning to come). The word means to come before something happens, thereby stopping it from occurring.
Memory Tip
Think of stopping something from 'coming' ('venire') by acting 'before' ('pre-') it happens.
Visually Confused Words
revent
preinvent
present
prerent
precent
revet
preen
event