Words / B1

pri-VENT/prɪˈvent/

Prevent means stop something from happening. Prevent an accident; prevent someone from leaving. Avoid is stay away from something yourself; stop can be more general. Prevention is the noun: prevention is better than cure. A common error is “prevent to do” — use from + -ing.

Meaning

To stop something from happening.

Examples

• “A helmet can prevent serious injury.”
• “Locks prevent people from stealing bikes.”
• “Regular checks can prevent serious faults.”

Good to know

prevent someone from + -ing. Stay away: avoid. Noun: prevention.

Near in meaning

stop

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