prevent

About 49.47 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something). .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}

   I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.

2. verb To take preventative measures.
3. verb To come before; to precede.
4. verb To outdo, surpass.
5. verb To be beforehand with; to anticipate.

Similar words

forestall preclude forbid keep foreclose obviate prevention preventive avert refrain

Often followed by

the a it any them their this him its his

Word family

preventabilities preventability preventable prevented preventer preventers preventible preventing prevents