English Dictionary

prevent

/pɹɪˈvɛnt/

verb

(transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something). / (intransitive, now rare) To take preventative measures. / (obsolete, transitive) To come before; to precede.

Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease.

意味（1）

(transitive) To stop (an outcome); to keep from (doing something).

I brush my teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay.

意味（2）

(intransitive, now rare) To take preventative measures.

I think you must be mad, and she shall not have a glimpse of it while I'm here to prevent!

意味（3）

(obsolete, transitive) To come before; to precede.

We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us.

意味（4）

(obsolete, transitive) To outdo, surpass.

With that he put his spurres vnto his steed, / With speare in rest, and toward him did fare, / Like shaft out of a bow preuenting speed.

意味（5）

(obsolete, transitive) To be beforehand with; to anticipate.

their ready guilt preventing thy commands