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
"It did work, the system worked," director Sean Curran told reporters on Wednesday, insisting that a cordon had prevented the alleged attacker from reaching the main hall where the dinner was taking place in April.
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
The 41-year-old has previously said that surgery had prevented her from having her leg amputated following the incident.
From BBC ● May 1, 2026
Only the horror of having to go near him had prevented Soaphead from completing his mission.
From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
