Synonyms for

Preventing

Verb / prɪˈventɪŋ / / pri:ˈventɪŋ / / prɪˈvenɪŋ / / pri:ˈvenɪŋ / Another word for preventing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Preventing means to stop something from happening or to keep something from occurring.

Synonyms & similar words

keep forestall forbid preclude prevent let foreclose stopping blocking hindering thwarting obstructing impeding averting detering intercepting forbidding restraining halting precluding preempting counteracting prohibiting defending guarding sheltering

Synonyms by register

Formal

averting inhibiting obviating forestalling

Informal

stopping blocking holding back keeping from

Literary

warding off staying the hand of

Antonyms

allowing permitting enabling facilitating encouraging sanctioning approving

Common collocations

  • preventing crime
  • preventing accidents
  • preventing disease
  • preventing loss
  • preventing access
  • preventing spread
  • preventing misuse

Word family

noun prevention
verb prevent
adjective preventive
adverb preventively

Usage note

Often used with 'from' to specify what is being stopped, e.g., 'preventing him from leaving'. Can sometimes be confused with 'perceiving'.

Example sentences

  1. She is preventing the ball from going into the goal.
  2. The police are preventing people from entering the crime scene.
  3. I am preventing the dog from chewing on my shoe.
  4. The vaccine is preventing people from getting sick.
  5. The fence is preventing the cows from escaping.

Quotes

  • The best way of preventing the overthrow of the government is to make it worth preserving.
  • Preventing the conflicts of tomorrow means changing the mindsets of youth today.
  • Preventing war is the work of politicians; establishing peace is the work of educators.

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