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.
An eBay spokesperson said they "combine technology, AI-supported monitoring and specialist teams to help maintain a safe and trusted marketplace," adding its efforts have "prevented millions of potentially unsafe items from being listed every year".
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
The PSR concerns have prevented Hull from making any new signings before the new season.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
Peter Thiel, the arch-conservative PayPal co-founder, believed better data-sharing between agencies might have prevented 9/11, and built the company around a mission of "defending the West."
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
While it isn’t clear whether the Army’s new integrated system would have prevented this or other attacks during the war, officials said it would improve air defenses in general.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026
And now she was very conscious that she ought to have prevented them.—She felt that she had been risking her friend’s happiness on most insufficient grounds.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
