Synonyms for

Prevent

Verb / prɪˈvent / / pri:ˈvent / Another word for prevent — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To stop something from happening before it occurs.

Synonyms & similar words

keep forestall forbid preclude let foreclose stop hinder block thwart impede foil deter avert forbid prohibit preclude obstruct restrain curb check thwart frustrate forestall preempt

Synonyms by register

Formal

hinder obstruct impede deter avert

Informal

stop block head off keep from hold back

Literary

forestall preclude thwart

Antonyms

allow permit enable facilitate encourage support further

Common collocations

  • prevent crime
  • prevent accidents
  • prevent disease
  • prevent damage
  • prevent loss
  • prevent entry
  • prevent misuse
  • prevent from happening

Word family

noun prevention
verb prevent
adjective preventive
adverb preventively

Usage note

Prevent is often followed by 'from' when referring to stopping someone or something from doing something. For example, 'The rain prevented us from going to the park.'

Example sentences

  1. The police tried to prevent the robbery.
  2. I took vitamins to prevent getting sick.
  3. The fence was put up to prevent the cows from getting out.
  4. The vaccine can prevent you from getting sick.
  5. The teacher tried to prevent the students from cheating on the test.

Quotes

  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. - Benjamin Franklin
  • It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them. - Benjamin Franklin
  • To prevent evil is the great end of government. - James Monroe

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words