pre·vent 
/prɪˈvɛnt/ verb
pre·vents; pre·vent·ed; pre·vent·ing /prɪˈvɛnt/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to stop (something) from happening or existing
▪ Seatbelts in cars often prevent serious injuries. ▪ Can exercise and a healthy diet prevent heart disease? ▪ The accident could have been prevented. 2 : to make (someone or something) not do something : to stop (someone or something) from doing something
▪ He grabbed my arm to prevent me from falling. ▪ Bad weather prevented us from leaving. ▪ How are you going to prevent him from finding out about the party? — often used without from in British English ▪ Her injury will prevent her competing this year.
▪ Seatbelts in cars often prevent serious injuries. ▪ Can exercise and a healthy diet prevent heart disease? ▪ The accident could have been prevented.
▪ He grabbed my arm to prevent me from falling. ▪ Bad weather prevented us from leaving. ▪ How are you going to prevent him from finding out about the party? — often used without from in British English ▪ Her injury will prevent her competing this year.
— pre·vent·able /prɪˈvɛntəbəl/ adjective
▪ Many of these deaths were preventable. [=avoidable] ▪ a preventable disease
▪ Many of these deaths were preventable. [=avoidable] ▪ a preventable disease
— pre·vent·er noun, plural pre·vent·ers [count]
▪ She applied a rust preventer to the metal frame.
▪ She applied a rust preventer to the metal frame.
