PREVENT

v. anticipate, preclude, obviate, forestall, avert, avoid, prohibit, ban, bar, forbid, interdict, taboo, enjoin, proscribe, foil, frustrate, obstruct, debar, intercept, nip in the bud, abort, thwart, check, block, ward or fend or stave off, baffle, balk or baulk, (put a) stop (to), arrest, (bring to a) halt, hinder, impede, curb, restrain, hamper, inhibit, delay, retard, slow, mitigate, control Some diseases can be prevented by inoculation or vaccination There is nothing to prevent us from leaving. The barrier was built to prevent flooding.