prevent
verb (used with object)
to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.
had prevented
-
past perfectof prevent.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It became clear that Merck’s 2016 cancer vaccine partnership with Moderna paid off when the companies announced last week that the treatment had prevented the spread of melanoma.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026
Firefighters are battling the fire in steep, rugged terrain, which he said had prevented crews from finding “advantageous points” to fight the fire.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
In a statement announcing the move, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the rule had prevented the Forest Service from carrying out vital management work that would curb wildfires.
From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026
The group later clarified that police had attempted to take him into custody but protesters had prevented it.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
His pride had prevented him from making contact with the armed groups in the interior of the country until the leaders of the party publicly rectified their declaration that he was a bandit.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
