v.tr. 1 (often foll. by from + verbal noun) stop from happening or doing something; hinder; make impossible (the weather prevented me from going). 2 archaic go or arrive before, precede. preventable adj. (also preventible). preventability n. (also preventibility). preventer n. prevention n.
[ ME = anticipate, f. L praevenire praevent- come before, hinder (as PRAE-, venire come) ]