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.
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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.
As human beings began to organize themselves into sedentary, agrarian societies, they formed mutualistic relationships with the wildcats that prevented vermin from decimating their grain stores.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
The mixture prevented the cells from prematurely developing into mature immune cells, preserving a renewable population of progenitors.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
He started 14 games before a knee injury prevented him from pitching any more this season.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
"With profound grief and sorrow, I urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against anyone found responsible so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future," he said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
Evidently some of my own reprogramming prevented that.
From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
