Explanation at your level:
Hello! 'Prevent' is a word we use when we want to stop something bad from happening. Imagine you have a yummy cookie, and you don't want your little brother to eat it. You can prevent him from eating it by hiding it! You stop it before it happens. Or, if it's raining, you wear a coat to prevent yourself from getting wet. It means to make sure something doesn't happen. It's like saying 'no' to something before it starts. We use it when we are careful.
The verb 'prevent' means to stop something from happening or to stop someone from doing something. It's about taking action early. For example, washing your hands can prevent you from catching a cold. Teachers often try to prevent students from talking during a test. You can also prevent a problem by being careful. If you see a slippery floor, you might put up a sign to prevent someone from falling. It's a useful word for talking about safety and avoiding bad situations.
To 'prevent' something means to take action to stop it from happening or continuing. It's a proactive verb, suggesting you are acting beforehand. For instance, governments implement laws to prevent pollution, and doctors advise patients on how to prevent certain illnesses through lifestyle changes. You might also hear the common phrase 'prevent someone from doing something'. For example, 'The bad weather prevented us from reaching our destination on time.' Understanding this word helps you discuss planning, risk management, and safety measures more effectively.
The verb 'prevent' signifies taking measures to hinder or stop an event or action before it occurs or continues. It implies a conscious effort to avert an undesirable outcome. For example, security systems are designed to prevent unauthorized access, and educational campaigns aim to prevent the spread of misinformation. The structure 'prevent someone/something from + -ing' is particularly common and important: 'The union's actions prevented the company from laying off workers.' This verb is crucial in contexts discussing policy, public health, security, and risk mitigation, highlighting foresight and control.
In advanced usage, 'prevent' denotes the implementation of strategies or controls to avert specific occurrences or developments. It often carries a connotation of deliberate intervention to maintain a desired state or trajectory. Consider its use in complex systems: 'Technological advancements have helped prevent catastrophic failures in nuclear reactors.' In social or economic contexts, it might refer to preemptive measures: 'The central bank raised interest rates to prevent the economy from overheating.' The nuance lies in the systematic or strategic nature of the action, aiming to forestall negative consequences or maintain equilibrium, often in the face of potential threats or imbalances.
'Prevent' occupies a significant semantic space related to preemptive action and control. Its etymological roots in 'coming before' resonate strongly in its application to sophisticated risk management, policy formulation, and systemic stability. For instance, in international relations, 'preventive diplomacy' aims to stop conflicts before they escalate. Medically, 'preventive medicine' focuses on averting disease through early intervention and lifestyle management. The verb can also imply a more philosophical stance, such as striving to prevent the erosion of cultural heritage. Its usage in academic discourse often involves analyzing causal chains and the efficacy of interventions designed to disrupt negative trajectories, underscoring its role in understanding agency and consequence in complex systems.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To prevent means to stop something from happening before it starts.
- Often used with the structure: prevent someone FROM DOING something.
- Key concept in safety, health, and planning.
- Related to acting proactively and taking precautions.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 'prevent'. It's a super useful verb that means to stop something from happening. Think of it as putting up a barrier or taking action before something bad or unwanted can occur. It’s all about foresight and proactive measures. We use 'prevent' in so many situations, from everyday life to important safety protocols. It’s a key word for understanding how we manage risks and try to keep things running smoothly.
When you prevent something, you're essentially saying 'not today!' to a potential problem. It’s not just about stopping something once it’s started, but about ensuring it never gets the chance to start at all. This could involve physical actions, like installing a fence to prevent animals from entering a garden, or more abstract actions, like implementing policies to prevent discrimination. The core idea is always to block, hinder, or stop an undesirable outcome.
Understanding 'prevent' helps us communicate more effectively about safety, planning, and risk management. It’s a word that empowers us to think ahead and take control. So, whether you're trying to prevent a cold by washing your hands or prevent a project delay by planning ahead, you're using this powerful verb!
The word 'prevent' has a fascinating history that traces back to Latin! It comes from the word praevenire, which literally means 'to come before' or 'to go before'. This Latin word is a combination of prae- ('before') and venire ('to come'). So, the original idea was very much about being ahead of something, or arriving first.
Interestingly, the meaning of 'prevent' has evolved over time. In older English, it could sometimes mean 'to anticipate' or 'to provide for' something. You might see it used in this sense in older texts, where 'preventing' a need meant preparing for it in advance. However, the dominant meaning today is 'to stop something from happening'. This shift highlights how language changes, with the 'coming before' aspect leading to the idea of stopping something by getting there first.
Think about how this etymology connects to the modern meaning. If you prevent a fire, you are acting *before* it starts. If you prevent a disease, you are acting *before* you get sick. The 'coming before' idea is still very much alive in the word's usage, even if the 'anticipate' meaning is less common now. It’s a great example of how the past shapes the present in our vocabulary!
The verb 'prevent' is incredibly versatile and used across many different contexts. We often use it in formal settings, like discussing safety regulations or medical procedures, but it's also common in everyday conversation. The key is that it always implies taking action to stop something undesirable from happening.
Some common phrases, or collocations, you'll hear with 'prevent' include: 'prevent an accident', 'prevent a disease', 'prevent crime', 'prevent damage', and 'prevent someone from doing something'. Notice how 'prevent' is often followed by a noun that represents the thing being stopped, or by the structure 'prevent someone from + -ing verb'. This structure is crucial for specifying who is being stopped and from what action.
When deciding whether to use 'prevent', consider the timing. You are usually acting *before* the event. If something is already happening, you might 'stop' or 'halt' it instead. 'Prevent' emphasizes the proactive nature of the action. For instance, you might say, 'We installed new locks to prevent burglaries' (proactive) rather than 'We stopped the burglaries' (which might imply they were already happening frequently). It’s a word that signals preparedness and control.
While 'prevent' itself isn't packed into as many colorful idioms as some other verbs, the concept of prevention is key to many expressions. Let's look at a few:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is a very common proverb. It means that it's much easier and better to stop a problem from happening in the first place than it is to fix it after it has occurred. For example, regularly checking your car's brakes is an ounce of prevention; a major accident caused by brake failure would be the costly cure.
Forewarned is forearmed. Although it doesn't use the word 'prevent', this idiom is closely related. If someone warns you about a potential danger or problem beforehand, you are better prepared to deal with it or stop it from happening. Knowing about a storm might allow you to prevent damage to your home.
Nip it in the bud. This expression means to stop something (usually a problem or bad habit) at a very early stage before it has a chance to develop or become serious. It’s a form of prevention. For example, if a child starts a bad habit, parents might try to 'nip it in the bud'.
Head off (something). This phrasal verb means to intercept and cause to turn aside or stop. It's a direct way to prevent something from reaching its destination or goal. For example, 'The police managed to head off the escaped prisoner.'
A stitch in time saves nine. Similar to the 'ounce of prevention' proverb, this means that dealing with a small problem immediately can prevent it from becoming a much larger problem later. Fixing a small tear in fabric right away (the stitch in time) prevents it from becoming a large rip that requires much more work (nine stitches) to fix.
The verb 'prevent' is a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle are formed by adding '-ed'. So, the past tense is 'prevented' and the past participle is also 'prevented'. For example: 'She prevented the spill.' 'The system has prevented unauthorized access.'
A very common grammatical structure used with 'prevent' is prevent someone/something from doing something. This is important! You need the 'from' and the '-ing' form of the verb. For example: 'The rain prevented us from going to the park.' You cannot say 'prevented us to go' or 'prevented us go'.
Pronunciation: The word 'prevent' has two syllables: pre-VENT. The stress is on the second syllable, 'VENT'.
In British English, the 'e' in 'prevent' sounds like the 'e' in 'bet'. The 'v' is pronounced as usual. The final 't' is clear.
In American English, the pronunciation is very similar. The vowel sound in the first syllable might be slightly more relaxed, but the stress remains firmly on the second syllable. The 'v' and final 't' are pronounced clearly.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
- British English: /prɪˈvent/
- American English: /prɪˈvent/
Common pronunciation errors might include misplacing the stress (e.g., PRE-vent) or not pronouncing the final 't' clearly. Remember, it's pre-VENT!
Fun Fact
The word 'prevent' originally meant 'to come before' or 'anticipate'. The meaning shifted over time to 'to stop from happening' because stopping something often involves acting *before* it occurs.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'prih-VENT', with the stress on the second syllable. The 'e' in 'prevent' sounds like the 'e' in 'bet'.
Sounds like 'prih-VENT', similar to British English, with the stress on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress on the first syllable (PRE-vent).
- Not pronouncing the final 't' sound clearly.
- Pronouncing the first 'e' like the 'ee' in 'see'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Relatively straightforward, common in many texts.
Easy to use correctly if the 'from + verb-ing' structure is remembered.
Commonly used in everyday and formal speech.
Frequently heard in various contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gerunds (-ing forms as nouns)
The structure 'prevent someone FROM DOING something' uses the gerund 'doing'.
Prepositions after verbs
Certain verbs require specific prepositions (e.g., 'prevent from', 'succeed in').
Active vs. Passive Voice
Accidents can be prevented. (Passive) vs. We can prevent accidents. (Active)
Examples by Level
I prevent the cat from eating my food.
I stop the cat from eating my food.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
Wear a coat to prevent cold.
Wear a coat to stop getting cold.
Prevent + noun
We prevent the door from closing.
We stop the door from closing.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The fence prevents dogs from coming in.
The fence stops dogs from coming in.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
I prevent the spill.
I stop the spill.
Prevent + noun
Can you prevent the noise?
Can you stop the noise?
Prevent + noun
This stops the water. It prevents leaks.
This stops the water. It stops leaks.
Prevent + noun
We prevent the mess.
We stop the mess.
Prevent + noun
Regular exercise can help prevent heart disease.
Regular exercise can help stop heart disease.
Prevent + noun
The teacher reminded the students to prevent cheating during the exam.
The teacher reminded the students to stop cheating during the exam.
Prevent + noun
We need to prevent the spread of misinformation.
We need to stop the spread of false information.
Prevent + noun
The alarm system is designed to prevent burglaries.
The alarm system is designed to stop burglaries.
Prevent + noun
She used a screen to prevent the bright sun from bothering her.
She used a screen to stop the bright sun from bothering her.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
Can we prevent this problem from happening again?
Can we stop this problem from happening again?
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
He tried to prevent his younger sister from eating the cake.
He tried to stop his younger sister from eating the cake.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
Good planning can prevent delays.
Good planning can stop delays.
Prevent + noun
Washing your hands frequently is a simple way to prevent the spread of germs.
Washing your hands often is an easy method to stop germs from spreading.
Prevent the spread of + noun
The government introduced new regulations to prevent environmental damage.
The government brought in new rules to stop harm to the environment.
Prevent + noun
He was unable to prevent his team from losing the championship.
He could not stop his team from losing the championship.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The security guard was trained to prevent unauthorized access to the building.
The security guard was trained to stop people without permission from entering the building.
Prevent + noun
Early detection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major crisis.
Finding a problem early can stop a small issue from turning into a big crisis.
Prevent + noun
We took steps to prevent any further misunderstandings between the departments.
We took actions to stop more confusion between the departments.
Prevent + noun
The thick fog prevented the aircraft from landing safely.
The thick fog stopped the aircraft from landing safely.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
It's important to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content online.
It's important to stop children from seeing unsuitable things on the internet.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The company implemented stricter protocols to prevent data breaches.
The company put in place more rigorous procedures to stop unauthorized access to data.
Prevent + noun
Public health initiatives aim to prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases.
Public health programs intend to stop the sudden occurrence of contagious illnesses.
Prevent + noun
Despite their best efforts, they couldn't prevent the economic downturn.
Even though they tried hard, they couldn't stop the economic decline.
Prevent + noun
The negotiator worked tirelessly to prevent a strike.
The negotiator worked very hard to stop a strike.
Prevent + noun
The dense undergrowth prevented the hikers from finding the trail.
The thick bushes stopped the hikers from finding the path.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
His intervention was crucial in preventing the situation from escalating further.
His involvement was very important in stopping the situation from becoming worse.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The museum employs advanced climate control systems to prevent the deterioration of artifacts.
The museum uses sophisticated temperature and humidity control systems to stop the damage of historical objects.
Prevent + noun
It is often more effective to prevent problems than to deal with their consequences.
It is usually better to stop problems than to handle what happens afterwards.
Prevent + noun
The committee's primary objective was to prevent any potential conflicts of interest among its members.
The committee's main goal was to stop any possible situations where personal interests might clash with professional duties among its members.
Prevent + noun
Sophisticated algorithms are employed to prevent algorithmic bias in decision-making processes.
Advanced computer programs are used to stop unfairness caused by the algorithm in how decisions are made.
Prevent + noun
The legislation was designed to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition.
The law was created to stop single-company dominance and guarantee fair rivalry in the market.
Prevent + noun
The diplomat's swift action helped prevent a diplomatic crisis.
The diplomat's quick action helped stop a serious international disagreement.
Prevent + noun
The structural integrity of the bridge was compromised, preventing vehicles from using it.
The bridge's structural soundness was weakened, stopping vehicles from traveling on it.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
We must ensure that economic policies do not inadvertently prevent small businesses from thriving.
We must make sure that financial strategies do not unintentionally hinder small companies from succeeding.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The research aims to identify factors that prevent patients from adhering to prescribed treatment regimens.
The study intends to find reasons that stop patients from following their doctor's treatment plans.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The organization works to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
The group works to stop the unfair use of people in weak or defenseless situations.
Prevent + noun
The intricate network of checks and balances was established to prevent any single branch of government from accumulating excessive power.
The complex system of controls and counterbalances was put in place to stop any one part of the government from gaining too much authority.
Prevent + noun
Understanding the socio-economic determinants is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent intergenerational poverty.
Grasping the social and economic factors is vital for creating successful plans to stop poverty from passing from one generation to the next.
Prevent + noun
The historical analysis sought to understand the systemic failures that prevented the nation from achieving sustainable development.
The examination of past events aimed to comprehend the widespread problems that stopped the country from reaching long-term growth.
Prevent + noun
The philosophical inquiry questioned whether free will could truly prevent the predetermined unfolding of events.
The deep thinking about existence asked if genuine choice could really stop the pre-set course of happenings.
Prevent + noun
The legal framework was meticulously crafted to prevent the circumvention of established regulations.
The set of laws was carefully designed to stop people from finding ways around the existing rules.
Prevent + noun
Despite extensive preventative measures, unforeseen circumstances managed to prevent the project from meeting its original deadline.
Even though many preparatory actions were taken, unexpected situations succeeded in stopping the project from finishing by its planned date.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The study investigates the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from seeking necessary mental health treatment.
The research explores the mental obstacles that stop people from getting the psychological care they need.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The artist's intention was to prevent the audience from passively consuming the work, encouraging instead active interpretation.
The artist's aim was to stop the viewers from just accepting the art without thinking, urging them instead to actively understand it.
Prevent + object + from + verb-ing
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
It's better to take steps to stop a problem before it happens than to deal with it after it has occurred.
Instead of waiting for the roof to leak, we fixed it now. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
proverbial"Nip it in the bud."
To stop a problem or bad habit at an early stage before it becomes bigger.
If you see a small argument starting, try to nip it in the bud before it gets out of control.
informal"Head off"
To intercept and stop something or someone from proceeding.
The police were able to head off the protest before it reached the city center.
neutral"A stitch in time saves nine."
Addressing a small problem immediately prevents it from becoming a larger, more difficult problem later.
I fixed that tiny hole in my sweater right away; a stitch in time saves nine.
proverbial"Forewarned is forearmed."
If you know about a potential danger or problem in advance, you can prepare for it and prevent it.
They told us the road would be closed, so forewarned is forearmed – we took a different route.
proverbialEasily Confused
Both words mean to impede or obstruct.
'Prevent' implies stopping something completely, often before it starts. 'Hinder' suggests making progress difficult or slowing it down, but not necessarily stopping it entirely.
The thick mud <strong>hindered</strong> our progress. The locked gate <strong>prevented</strong> us from entering.
Both can be used to stop actions.
'Deter' specifically means to discourage someone from doing something, often through fear or doubt. 'Prevent' is broader and can apply to situations or inanimate objects, not just discouraging people.
The high fines <strong>deter</strong> people from speeding. The fence <strong>prevents</strong> animals from entering the garden.
Both can mean to stop movement or progress.
'Block' often implies a physical obstruction. 'Prevent' can be physical but also abstract (preventing an idea, preventing a disease).
A fallen tree <strong>blocked</strong> the road. The new rules <strong>prevent</strong> unfair practices.
They are opposites in meaning.
'Prevent' means to stop something from happening. 'Allow' means to permit something to happen.
We must <strong>prevent</strong> pollution. We must <strong>allow</strong> clean air.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + prevent + noun
Good planning prevents delays.
Subject + prevent + object + from + verb-ing
The weather prevented us from traveling.
Subject + prevent + object + from + noun
The security system prevents unauthorized access from the network.
It + is + adjective + to + prevent + noun
It is important to prevent accidents.
Measures + to + prevent + noun
New measures to prevent fraud were introduced.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The correct structure requires 'from' followed by the gerund (-ing form) of the verb, not the infinitive.
'Prevent' implies stopping something *before* it starts or gets worse. 'Stop' can be used for actions already in progress.
The preposition 'from' is essential in this common grammatical pattern.
'Prevent' means to stop, while 'allow' or 'enable' mean to permit or make possible.
The stress in 'prevent' falls on the second syllable.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'PRE'historic caveman building a wall ('VENT'ilation shaft?) *before* a dinosaur attacks. He's PRE-VENTing the attack!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 'prevent' frequently in discussions about health ('preventive care'), safety ('accident prevention'), and planning ('prevent delays'). Pay attention to the 'prevent someone FROM doing something' structure.
Cultural Insight
In many Western cultures, there's a strong emphasis on proactive problem-solving. 'Prevention' is often seen as wiser and more efficient than reaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: PREVENT + FROM + VERB-ING. If you're stopping someone or something from doing an action, use this structure. It's a very common pattern!
Say It Right
Make sure to stress the second syllable: pre-VENT. Practice saying 'prevent', 'prevented', 'prevention' to get the rhythm.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid saying 'prevent someone *to do* something'. It's always 'prevent someone *from doing* something'.
Did You Know?
The word 'prevent' comes from Latin 'praevenire', meaning 'to come before'. So, the idea of acting *before* something happens is baked into its very origin!
Study Smart
Create flashcards with the structure 'prevent X from Y'. Write sentences like 'The rain prevented us from going.' on one side and the sentence on the other.
Expand Your Range
Learn synonyms like 'avert' (for danger) and 'deter' (for discouraging action) to use 'prevent' more precisely.
Real-World Context
Think about news headlines: 'Measures taken to prevent flooding', 'Efforts to prevent the spread of disease'. These show 'prevent' in action.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'PRE'ventative measure. 'PRE' means 'before'. So, you do something 'before' to PREvent something bad.
Visual Association
Imagine a strong wall ('PRE'vent wall) built *before* a flood, stopping the water.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'prevent' in a sentence about something you did today to stop a minor inconvenience.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To come before, go before.
Cultural Context
Generally, the word itself is neutral. However, the context in which it's used matters. For example, discussing 'preventing crime' might involve sensitive topics related to law enforcement and social issues.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'prevention' is highly valued, especially in areas like health (preventive medicine), safety (accident prevention), and security (crime prevention). Emphasizing proactive measures is a common theme.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Health and Medicine
- prevent disease
- prevent illness
- preventative healthcare
- prevent the spread of infection
Safety and Security
- prevent accidents
- prevent crime
- prevent unauthorized access
- prevent damage
Business and Planning
- prevent delays
- prevent loss
- prevent misunderstandings
- prevent conflicts
General Life
- prevent someone from doing something
- prevent a mess
- prevent getting wet
- prevent the spread of rumors
Conversation Starters
"What's one thing you do regularly to prevent yourself from getting sick?"
"Can you think of a time when you successfully prevented a problem?"
"What measures do you think are most effective to prevent climate change?"
"How can schools better prevent bullying among students?"
"What's the best way to prevent food from going bad?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you wish you had taken steps to prevent something.
Write about a time you successfully prevented a negative outcome. What did you do?
What are some common 'preventative' actions people take in your community?
Reflect on the proverb 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' How does it apply to your life?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile both mean to bring something to an end, 'prevent' usually implies taking action *before* something happens to stop it from starting or continuing. 'Stop' can refer to halting something that is already in progress.
The most common structure is 'prevent someone/something from doing something'. For example: 'The rain prevented us from going.' You can also use 'prevent + noun', like 'prevent an accident'.
Yes, absolutely! You can prevent problems, prevent misunderstandings, prevent delays, prevent crime, etc.
Both 'preventive' and 'preventative' are adjectives meaning designed to prevent something. 'Preventive' is more common and generally preferred, but 'preventative' is also widely used and understood.
Usually, yes. It implies a successful action to block something. However, in some contexts, it might refer to efforts to *try* to stop something, even if success isn't guaranteed.
Common synonyms include hinder, block, deter, avert, stop, and preclude, depending on the context and level of formality.
No, this is a common mistake. The correct structure requires 'from + verb-ing', not 'to + verb'. For example, 'prevent them from succeeding', not 'prevent them to succeed'.
This proverb means that it's much better and easier to stop a problem from happening in the first place than it is to fix it after it has occurred.
Test Yourself
We wear hats to ______ the sun from burning our skin.
We wear hats *before* going into the sun to stop sunburn. 'Prevent' means to stop something from happening.
Which sentence correctly uses 'prevent'?
The correct structure is 'prevent + object + from + verb-ing'. Option b follows this rule.
The word 'prevent' means to allow something to happen.
'Prevent' means to stop something from happening, which is the opposite of allowing it.
Word
Meaning
These pairings show common uses of 'prevent' in different contexts.
The sentence should be: 'The rain prevented us from going.' This uses the correct structure 'prevent + object + from + verb-ing'.
Good security measures are essential to ______ unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Security measures are put in place to stop or block unauthorized access, hence 'prevent'.
Which idiom best relates to the concept of 'prevent'?
This idiom directly emphasizes the value of taking action beforehand to stop problems, which is the core meaning of 'prevent'.
The diplomat's quick thinking helped ______ a major international incident.
'Avert' is a formal synonym for prevent, especially used for dangers or crises. The context implies stopping something bad.
To ______ is to stop something before it happens.
This is the basic definition of the verb 'prevent'.
The phrase 'prevent someone to do something' is grammatically correct.
The correct structure is 'prevent someone FROM doing something'.
Score: /10
Summary
Acting beforehand to stop something undesirable is the essence of 'prevent'.
- To prevent means to stop something from happening before it starts.
- Often used with the structure: prevent someone FROM DOING something.
- Key concept in safety, health, and planning.
- Related to acting proactively and taking precautions.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'PRE'historic caveman building a wall ('VENT'ilation shaft?) *before* a dinosaur attacks. He's PRE-VENTing the attack!
When Native Speakers Use It
Native speakers use 'prevent' frequently in discussions about health ('preventive care'), safety ('accident prevention'), and planning ('prevent delays'). Pay attention to the 'prevent someone FROM doing something' structure.
Cultural Insight
In many Western cultures, there's a strong emphasis on proactive problem-solving. 'Prevention' is often seen as wiser and more efficient than reaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: PREVENT + FROM + VERB-ING. If you're stopping someone or something from doing an action, use this structure. It's a very common pattern!
Example
事故を防ぐために注意する。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More weather words
積もる
A2To pile up (e.g., snow).
のち
A2Later; afterwards (used in weather forecasts).
近づく
A2To approach; to come near (e.g., a storm).
避ける
B1To avoid; to dodge.
氷点下
A2Below freezing point; temperature below 0 degrees Celsius.
長靴
A2Rain boots; waterproof boots worn to protect feet from rain.
穏やかな
B1Calm; mild (na-adjective).
快晴
A2Clear skies; perfectly clear and sunny weather.
快適な
A2Comfortable; pleasant (na-adjective).
涼む
B1To cool oneself; to enjoy the cool air.
