prevent
verb (used with object)
to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.
have prevented
-
present perfectof prevent.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
"If I could have prevented this, I would have," she said, according to The New York Times.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
“The only person who could have prevented this is Nicole Linton,” Nistorescu said during her closing argument Thursday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
Nvidia, however, has said Chinese restrictions have prevented it from selling all the chips covered by those licenses.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 21, 2026
The Securities and Exchange Commission said it would exempt authorized trading venues from certain rules that have prevented trading in digital tokens that mimic shares of listed companies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
I searched my memory for a sign, some way I could have prevented it.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
