verb
1.
to be or get ahead of or to deal with beforehand
many problems are prevented easily if one plans wisely
Synonyms: anticipate, forestall
Related Word: baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart; arrest, check, interrupt
2.
to stop from advancing or occurring
take steps to prevent war
measures designed to prevent the spread of disease
Synonyms: avert, deter, forestall, forfend, obviate, preclude, rule out, stave off, ward
Related Word: bar, block, dam, hinder, impede, obstruct; debar, shut out; forbid, inhibit, interdict, prohibit
Contrasted words: allow, leave, let, suffer
Antonyms: permit