English

prevent

prɪˈvent, pɹəˈvɛnt, pɹɪˈvɛnt
Meaning: to stop something from happening or someone from doing something
Part of Speech: Verb Alternative Readings: pɹəˈvɛnt, pɹɪˈvɛnt

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base prevent
3rd person singular present prevents
Present participle preventing
Past prevented
Will future will prevent
Going-to future going to prevent
Imperative negative don't prevent / do not prevent

Example sentences

We should take action to prevent future accidents.
Washing your hands is a key step in preventing the transmission of the virus.
Washing your hands is a key step in preventing the transmission of the virus.
The patient was isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.
The patient was isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.
Budget constraints prevented the team from hiring more staff.
Budget constraints prevented the team from hiring more staff.
His inability to swim prevented him from joining us.
His inability to swim prevented him from joining us.
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the city.
The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the city.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of illness.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of illness.
The hospital maintains strict standards of cleanliness to prevent infections.
The hospital maintains strict standards of cleanliness to prevent infections.
The government is taking measures to prevent bioterrorism.
The government is taking measures to prevent bioterrorism.
The company has increased its security to prevent cybercrime.
The company has increased its security to prevent cybercrime.

Usage Notes

Commonly used with 'from' to indicate the person or thing being stopped (e.g., 'prevent him from leaving').

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