prevent
verb (used with object)
to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.
prevented
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past participleof prevent.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof prevent.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
preventverb (used with object)to keep from occurring; avert; hinder.
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.
The problem with this explanation is that it is doubtful that the government’s information prevented the statute-of-limitations period from expiring.
From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026
Lowering amyloid beta in the bloodstream does not necessarily mean that amyloid plaques in the brain will decrease or that Alzheimer's disease can be prevented.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
In the past, that secretive atmosphere has prevented information about other infectious outbreaks from becoming public, including an anthrax outbreak in 2016 in the Siberian province of Yamal that officials said killed two people.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
That limbo, which for some of the named plaintiffs has lasted more than a year, has prevented them from moving forward in other ways in their financial lives, attorneys for the borrowers say.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
Molly tried to open her mouth and say something, but the dryness in her throat prevented her from making a sound.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
