Entry Word: prevent

Function: verb

Meaning: to keep from happening by taking action in advance <a lot of problems would have been prevented if weʼd just prepared better>

Synonyms avert, forestall, help, obviate, preclude

Related Words anticipate, provide; negate, neutralize, nullify; avoid, save; baffle, balk, checkmate, deter, foil, frustrate, thwart; bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, interfere (with), retard, stall; deflect, fend (off), head (off), stave off, stop, ward (off); avoid, circumvent, dodge, elude, escape, evade; forbid, inhibit, prohibit; arrest, check, halt, stop; counteract, offset

Near Antonyms abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth; advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote; allow, leave, let, permit