Prevent Definition & Meaning

prevent
verb
  1. keep from happening or arising; make impossible; "My sense of tact forbids an honest answer"; "Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project"
  2. stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state; "We must prevent the cancer from spreading"; "His snoring kept me from falling asleep"; "Keep the child from eating the marbles"

"Prevent" in song lyrics

See how prevent is used in real songs:

  • "Kids will always be makin bids so you can't prevent"
    3rd Bass — Product of the Environment (Remix)
  • "Pulling swords, don't matter, if you try and prevent"
    Dom Pachino f/ Chapel, NLZ — The Score
  • "Always know the verbs, from the mouth that I prevent"
    Dom Pachino f/ Chapel, NLZ — The Score

Usage tips for "prevent"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "prevent" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for prevent to find words that pair well.

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