preventn.
/prᵻˈvɛnt/, U.S. /priˈvɛnt/ American Football.
= prevent defence n. at prevent v. Compounds.
ΚΠ
1967 Britannica Bk. of Year 1966 804/1 Prevent, a football defense in which linebackers and backs play deeper than usual in order to prevent the completion of a long pass.
1978 Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois) 8 Dec. iii. 11/1 The Wisconsin quarterback..had completed 33 of 48 passes, most of them in the last 10 minutes against the everloving prevent.
1995 San Diego Union-Tribune (Electronic ed.) 20 Apr. d2 Don't ask me my opinion of the prevent... They don't prevent anything. Every quarterback in the league loves to play the last two minutes of a game when they're behind, because it's easy pickin's.
2003 Daily News (N.Y.) (Nexis) 25 Nov. 66 Facing the Jaguars' ridiculously soft coverage—they used a prevent for the first seven plays—Pennington threw underneath on his first six completions.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
preventv.
/prᵻˈvɛnt/, U.S. /priˈvɛnt/ I. To anticipate or act in advance.† 1. † 2. transitive (in causative use). To hasten, bring about, or put before the time or prematurely; to anticipate. Obsolete.† 4. † 5. † 6. transitive. To appear in front of; to meet or receive with welcome, help, hostility, etc.; to confront. Obsolete.† 7.
a. transitive. To act before or more quickly than (a person or agent); to anticipate in action; to act in advance of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > precede or come before [verb (transitive)] > anticipate or forestall
before-takea1382
preventc1425
devance1485
prevenea1500
lurch1530
to take before the bounda1556
to be aforehand with1570
to be beforehand with1574
to meet halfwaya1586
preoccupate1588
forestall1589
fore-run1591
surprise1591
antedate1595
foreprise1597
preoccupy1607
preoccupy1638
pre-act1655
anticipatea1682
obviate1712
to head off1841
beat1847
to beat out1893
pre-empt1957
c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 25 (MED) From that tyme they began to be more prompte to yeue ther almes, And also feruent in deuocioun and stryuyd who myght preuent anothir yn yeuynge.
1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 9714 (MED) Of swych feruoure She was þat hyr madynnys she dede preuente In goyng to cherche ful many an oure.
1523 J. Skelton Goodly Garlande of Laurell 428 So I am preuentid of my brethern tweyne In rendrynge to you thankkis meritory.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Aiiv I shoulde preuente, and take from hym the flower and grace of the noueltie.
1630 G. Hakewill Apologie (ed. 2) sig. Bbb2v (advt.) I finde my selfe for the maine matter prevented by Stephanus Pannonius in that booke of his.
1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses xv. 146 Whil what to answer he was taking care, Helen prevented him.
1716 A. Pope Corr. 20 Mar. (1956) I. 336 I know you have prevented me in this thought, as you always will in any thing that is good.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. vi. 154 The fortunate soil assisted, and even prevented, the hand of cultivation.
1808 ‘H. St. Victor’ Ruins of Rigonda I. 6 Foventi wished..to ask the father's consent to address his daughter, when he was prevented by the baron's asking his advice in point of providing a husband.
1847 E. Brontë Wuthering Heights x. 216 I meditated this plan:—just to have one glimpse of your Face..afterwards settle my score with Hindley; and then prevent the law by doing execution on myself.
b. transitive. Ecclesiastical Law. To take precedence over (an inferior) in the execution of an official duty. Cf. prevene v. 1c, and prevention n. 4a. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1886 Cassell's Encycl. Dict. V. ii. 651/3 Prevent, to transact or undertake any affair before an inferior, by right of position.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > precede or come before [verb (transitive)] > hasten the occurrence of or make earlier
advance1481
acceleratec1522
prevent1548
antedate1604
roll on ——1885
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. 248 And tilyng, whenne hit tyme is hit to do, Is not to rathe yf dayis thryis fyue Hit be preuent.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1872) IV. 397 (MED) The lecches seide the deformite of the childe to be causede in that the dewe tyme of childenge was prevente [a1387 J. Trevisa þe childe was i-bore to fore his tyme; L. debita tempora prævenisset].
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. xxvi. 116 As preuentyng the honour of his burial.
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. viii. f. 168v Whyche count it the most glorious thyng to preuent their owne deathes.
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 230 Such as are of this nature, prevent the Worlds Doome, and their own, not staying for the general Conflagration, but beginning it.
a1683 J. Oldham Remains in Verse & Prose 34 in Wks. & Remains (1684) Fear is like to prevent and do the Work of my Distemper.
3. transitive. Theology. Of God, God's grace, etc.: to go before (a person) with spiritual guidance and help; (a) so as to anticipate a person's actions or needs; (b) so as to predispose (a person) to repentance, faith, and good works. Cf. prevenient adj. 1. archaic in later use.Now used chiefly in quoting or alluding to older biblical translations, or the Book of Common Prayer (see quots. 15492, 15493).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [verb (transitive)] > exercise grace
preventc1450
prevenea1513
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [verb (transitive)] > exercise grace > predispose to repentance (of grace)
preventc1450
prevenea1513
c1450 (?c1425) St. Mary of Oignies i. v, in Anglia (1885) 8 137 (MED) She, preuent & inspirid of þe, considerid þe beenfetz þat þou mercyfulle schewdist..to mankynde.
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 49 But if þou be preuent and norisshid wiþ his grace.
1531 W. Tyndale Expos. Fyrste Epist. St. Jhon sig. C.vii In all that we do or thinke wel, he preventyth vs with his grace.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Celebr. Holye Communion f. lviiiv As by thy speciall grace, preuentyng vs, thou doest put in our mindes good desires.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Celebr. Holye Communion f. lxxxixv That thy grace maye alwayes preuente and folowe vs.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxxiiv Preuent vs, O lorde, in all our doinges, with thy most gracious fauour.
1597 J. Tanner Serm. Paules Crosse (new ed.) 65 The benignitie of God did alwaies prevent me, from many dangers freed me.
1676 M. Hale Contempl. Moral & Divine i. 45 The Spirit of Truth and Wisdom, that doth really and truly but secretly prevent and direct them.
1678 A. Seller Devout Communicant (ed. 4) 182 If thy grace prevented us before repentance, that we might return, shall it not much more prevent repenting sinners that we may not perish?
a1711 T. Ken Divine Love in Wks. (1838) 303 O let thy grace..ever prevent, accompany, and follow me.
1794 W. Sweeting Remarkable Narr. 10 If I had not been by grace prevented, they [sc. my sins] would have led me to death.
1841 R. C. Trench Parables: Lost Sheep (1860) 371 It is in fact only the same truth..that grace must prevent as well as follow us.
1869 E. M. Goulburn Pursuit of Holiness ii. 12 God in it prevents us (in the old sense of the word ‘prevents’), anticipates us with His Grace.
1950 Church Hist. 19 201 What one misses in Evagrius..is ‘grace’, preventing and accompanying the soul in its progress towards purity.
a. transitive. To act in anticipation of, or in preparation for (a future event or point of time, esp. a time fixed for some action); to act as if (the event or time) had already come. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > precede or come before [verb (transitive)] > anticipate or forestall > a time
prevent1467
to run before ——1513
1467–8 Rolls of Parl. V. 623/1 Better it were to prevente the tyme and occupie the seid Adversary at home, than to suffre hym to entre this Londe.
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 37 The peple prevente [L. prævenitur] that feste by the abstinence of a monethe.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cxix. 148 Myne eyes preuente ye night watches, yt I might be occupied in thy wordes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) v. i. 104 But I do finde it Cowardly, and vile, For feare of what might fall, so to preuent The time of life. View more context for this quotation
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 165 Thus we prevent the last great day, And judge our selves.
1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer iv. ii. 59 Who does not prevent the Hour of Love; outstays the Time.
1712 Dutch Generosity 13 It obliged him to prevent the Hour he had appointed for his Reception.
1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 150 Cælia,..preventing the appointed hour,..chides my tardy steps.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby ii. 59 Bertram..from the towers, preventing day, With Wilfrid took his early way.
b. transitive. To anticipate or meet beforehand (a want, desire, objection, question, command, etc.). Obsolete (in later use archaic).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expect [verb (transitive)] > prepare to meet
devance1485
preventa1533
affronta1616
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > anticipation, forecast > anticipate, forecast [verb (transitive)]
to cast dangerc1449
forecasta1513
preventa1533
foredeem1542
premeditate1566
foretake1588
fore-run1591
foreprise1597
to lay one's account with (also on, for)1606
foreguess1640
prospect1652
precalculate1840
pre-empt1928
second-guess1941
a1533 J. Frith Against Rastel (?1535–6) sig. Aviii To this twoo poyntes I answere preventinge theyr objeccion that they shuld not despyse it, because of my youthe.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique iii. f. 100 Anticipacion, is when we preuent those wordes, that another would saie, and disproue theim as vntrue, or at least wise, answere vnto them.
1588 T. Kyd tr. T. Tasso Housholders Philos. f. 1v So that I preuented his desire, and in some sort to satis-fie him, said I was neuer till nowe in this Countrey.
1633 in F. P. Verney et al. Mem. Verney Family Civil War (1892) I. 124 My hopes are that your religious care hath prevented these admonitions.
1668 J. Dryden Secret-love ii. v. 17 Your goodness still prevents my wishes.
1700 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 597 I am glad wee have prevented their Commands in doing it before they came.
1788 Disinterested Love I. 5 Thus he prevented all my wants.
1835 W. Wordsworth Russ. Fugitive i. v, in Yarrow Revisited 124 She led the Lady to a seat..Prevented each desire.
1850 F. E. Smedley Frank Fairlegh xliv. 385 It will be the study of my life to prevent your every wish——..‘Prevent’ means to forestall in that sense.
1878 A. Trollope Lady of Launay in Light I. 4 May 269 Bessy, who for so many years had prevented all her wishes.
c. intransitive. To come, appear, or act before the expected time, or in anticipation of some event. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > occur earlier or go before [verb (intransitive)]
precede?a1425
prevent1542
to go before1585
anticipate1588
1542 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) IX. 190 ThEmperour..fearing the comming of the Turques power this next yere, entendeth to prevente, and also to goo Hym self befor into Italie.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. 1 Macc. x. 4 Let us prevent to make peace with him, before he make with Alexander against us.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §403 Strawberries watered now and then..with water wherein hath been steeped Sheeps-dung..will prevent and come early.
a. transitive. To come, arrive, or appear before; to precede; to outrun, outstrip. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > going first or in front > go in front of [verb (transitive)]
foregoc900
precedec1475
preventa1500
fore-ride1570
fore-run1570
usher1599
huisher1606
the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > gain (ground) upon > catch up or overtake > outstrip
to leave behinda1393
overgoc1425
preventa1500
outgo1530
out-trot1555
outstrip1567
stripa1592
outpacea1596
out-swift1606
to have (also get) the speed ofa1616
outstretcha1642
to give (a person or thing) the go-by1642
to gain bounds of1653
outrace1657
outspeed1661
to cast behind1681
distance1691
belag1721
repass1728
outfoot1740
outdistance1789
fore-reach1803
to have the foot of1832
to run away1843
slip1856
short-head1863
tine1871
forespeed1872
outrate1873
a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 146 (MED) I it am þat made all seintes and graunted grace..I preuentyd hem in blessinges of swetnes; I predestinate hem before worldes.
1538 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 138 I have..sent it vnto hym after the departure of the said Muriell, to thentent he myght prevente thambassadours poste and you have leasure to consulte and advise vpon the same.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. x. sig. F7v The Sunne..could neuer preuent him with earlinesse.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 84 I went from Lions to Geneva where I found also my Fame had prevented my Cominge.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. i. 8 To prove our Old stile before the New (which prevents our Computation by ten dayes..).
a1766 F. Sheridan Concl. Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph (1770) V. 6 I am an early riser, yet my lord V——prevented me the next morning, for I found him in the parlour when I came down stairs.
b. transitive. To outdo, surpass, excel. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > outdoing or surpassing > outdo or surpass [verb (transitive)]
overstyeOE
overshinec1175
overgoc1225
passc1225
surmountc1369
forpassc1374
overmatcha1375
overpassa1382
to pass overa1393
overcomec1400
outpass?a1425
exceedc1425
precedec1425
superexcelc1429
transcendc1430
precel?a1439
outcut1447
overgrowc1475
to come over ——a1479
excel1493
overleapa1500
vanquish1533
outweigh1534
prevent1540
better1548
preferc1550
outgo1553
surpassa1555
exsuperate1559
cote1566
overtop1567
outrun1575
outstrip1579
outsail1580
overruna1586
pre-excel1587
outbid1589
outbrave1589
out-cote1589
top1590
outmatch1593
outvie1594
superate1595
surbravec1600
oversile1608
over-height1611
overstride1614
outdoa1616
outlustrea1616
outpeera1616
outstrikea1616
outrival1622
antecede1624
out-top1624
antecell1625
out-pitch1627
over-merit1629
outblazea1634
surmatch1636
overdoa1640
overact1643
outact1644
worst1646
overspana1657
outsoar1674
outdazzle1691
to cut down1713
ding1724
to cut out1738
cap1821
by-pass1848
overtower1850
pretergress1851
outray1876
outreach1879
cut1884
outperform1937
outrate1955
one-up1963
1540 R. Morison tr. J. L. Vives Introd. Wysedome (new ed.) I iv b Be not onely euen with them that honour the, but..preuente them whan thou mayste.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. ii. 26 Preuenting the Iewes, which were thought to be next vnto God.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 52 Had Vulcan and his Cyclopes beene working there, there noise had beene preuented.
1660 tr. M. Amyraut Treat. conc. Relig. ii. viii. 270 To prevent and go beyond all the world in respect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (transitive)] > meet with succour
prevent1535
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack (of hostile agency)
besetOE
infighta1300
saila1300
seeka1300
visitc1340
beclipc1380
entainc1380
seizec1381
offendc1385
affectc1425
rehetea1450
take1483
attaintc1534
prevent1535
attach1541
attempt1546
affront1579
buffeta1593
to get at ——1650
assault1667
insult1697
to lay at1899
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xvii[i]. 18 They preuented me [R.V. came upon me; L. praevenerunt me] in the tyme of my trouble, but ye Lorde was my defence.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Job iii. 12 Why did the knees preuent me? and why did I sucke the breastes?
1611 Bible (King James) Amos ix. 10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say: The euill shall not ouertake nor preuent vs [L. veniet super nos] . View more context for this quotation
a. transitive. To occupy beforehand, prejudice (a person's mind). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > bias, prejudice > judge with prejudice [verb (transitive)] > cause prejudice in
prevent1551
forestall?1571
bias1581
preoccupate1582
prejudicate1602
prejudice1610
pre-engage1646
prepossess1647
preoccupya1658
tamper1687
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Fv Whose myndes be all reddye preuented with cleane contrarye persuasyons.
1654 tr. M. Martini Bellum Tartaricum 56 Rather..[not to] accuse the least default in his Sovereign's judgement, though prevented, by very unjust impressions.
1698 A. Boyer & J. Savage tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont in T. Hearne Ductor Historicus I. ii. vi. 207 Without labouring to prevent the Minds of People by a studied excuse.
1718 J. Chamberlayne in tr. B. Nieuwentyt Relig. Philosopher I. Ded. p. vi Endeavouring to prevent your Lordship in favour of my Author.
1731 J. Constable Refl. Accuracy Style 34 For though one may be prejudiced as much against, as in favour of an Author, yet, methinks, it is far more natural, to be prevented in favour of one who has the commendation of a surprizing novelty.
b. transitive. To take possession of or occupy beforehand; (figurative) to employ before another person. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > beforehand
prevent1563
lurchc1565
preoccupate1586
anticipate1594
1563 R. Reynolds Foundacion of Rhetorike f. 31 Leonides the kynge hearde that the place and hill of the battel was preventid of xx. thousande enemies.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 104/2 in Chron. I Preuenting euery conuenient place where the barbarous people myghte lye in wayte to doe mischiefe.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 216/2 in Chron. I Thus lyke a worthie Prince and politike gouernour, he preuented eche way foorth to resist his enimies, and to sauegarde his subiects.
II. To preclude, stop, or hinder.† 8. transitive. To forestall, thwart, or frustrate (an enemy, opponent, etc.) by acting in advance or by taking precautionary measures. Obsolete.In later use sometimes implying a from construction, and hence merging with 14b.† 11. transitive. To frustrate, defeat, or bring to nothing (an expectation, plan, etc.); to render void or invalid. Obsolete.† 13. transitive. To keep (something) from happening to oneself; to escape, evade, or avoid by timely action. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > from an action, purpose, etc. > specifically by previous action
prevent1560
preclude1584
1442–3 in J. Raine Corr., Inventories, Acct. Rolls, & Law Proc. Priory of Coldingham (1841) 148 Als mykil as hym wes he preventit all ȝwr gift giffin to me.
1482 Monk of Evesham 46 Ye remembre how a certen..cytson of this place was hastly preuent of dethe and sodenly dyed.
1521 in H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge 2nd balade sig. s.iii With deth preuent, he myght nothyng replique.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Wisd. iv. 7 Thogh the righteous be preuented with death, yet shal he be in rest.
1568 Newe Comedie Iacob & Esau v. iv. sig. F.iv Thy brother Iacob came to me by subtiltee, And brought me venison, and so preuented thee.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. iii. 128 The King was preuented by vntimely and sudden death before he could bring his purpose to effect.
1706 J. Potter Archæologia Græca (ed. 2) I. ii. xiv. 315 Unlucky Omens were,..Especially if the Beast prevented the Knife, and dy'd suddenly.
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews ii. x, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 55 Moses prevented the enemies, and..led his army before those enemies were apprized.
1757 J. Dyer Fleece i. 35 With tar Prevent the wingy swarm and scorching heat.
9.
a. transitive. To preclude the occurrence of (an anticipated event, state, etc.); to render (an intended, possible, or likely action or event) impractical or impossible by anticipatory action; to put a stop to.In early use a sense of anticipating or acting in advance is often prominent; later, the emphasis is usually on the sense of hindering, thwarting, or stopping.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)]
forbidc1000
forrunc1275
forbar1303
before-comec1384
withstanda1400
withholdc1400
prevenec1485
supprime1490
interrupt1497
resist?a1513
prevent1522
discourage1528
prohibit1531
stop1534
forleta1555
bar1559
to bar by and main1567
disbar1567
to cut off1576
embar1577
forestall1579
obvent1588
cancel1594
waylay1625
suppress1651
antevene1655
arceate1657
exarceate1657
interpel1722
stump1858
estop1876
plug1887
pre-empt1957
deter1961
1522 in Ld. Herbert Hen. VIII (1649) 127 To prevent ambiguities and quarrels, each Prince before May 1524, shall declare his pretences.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Præcidere causam belli, to preuent and take awaie cleane the occasion of warre.
1624 W. Laud Diary 13 Dec. in Hist. Troubles (1695) 14 He prevented his punishment by death.
1669 S. Sturmy Summary of Penalties & Forfeitures in Mariners Mag. n ij b If all concerned had..knowledge of what they should know, they might prevent this loss and damage.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. v. 197 Persons may do a great deal themselves towards preventing the bad Consequences of their Follies.
1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. IV. 79 Some of the under actors, seized with fear or remorse, resolved to prevent the execution by a timely discovery.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) I. 489 To place the legal estate in trustees, on purpose to prevent dower.
1836 W. Irving Astoria III. 213 Should any thing occur..to prevent his return.
1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola II. viii. 84 He..had produced the very impression he had sought to prevent.
1936 H. A. L. Fisher Europe 181 By their control of the Western Isles and the Irish Sea a barrier was interposed between Ireland and Scotland, preventing migration.
1991 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Aug. 108/1 The idea is to prevent a crime, rather than wait for it to happen, by looking out for people who fit a suspicious ‘profile’.
b. transitive. With clause as object. Usually with possessive and gerund, or with verbal noun; occasionally with that-clause.
ΚΠ
1657 tr. A. Thevet Prosopographia 45 in T. North tr. Plutarch Lives (new ed.) He built a house without his Camp for all strangers that arrived,..whereby he prevented their sneaking into his Camp.
1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse iii. 54 I'll let you know enough to prevent any wise Woman's dying of the Pip.
1704 N. N. tr. T. Boccalini Advts. from Parnassus II. 174 All the Monarchies in the World..consult in a General Diet how to prevent being Oppress'd by'em.
1744 J. Philips Jrnl. Exped. Anson 179 He had provided a Netting-deck to prevent our boarding him.
1780 J. Barr in Orderly Bks. Fourth New York Regiment (1932) 230 The order Issued on the 29th of Last Month..to the officers to Prevent that the Inhabitants in the Vicinity of the Camp are absolutily a Pray to the Plundring and Licentious Sperit of the Soldierly [etc.].
1818 Sporting Mag. (N.S.) 2 23 Spring held his opponent's hand..to prevent being weaved.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. vii. 154 I shall not prevent your going.
1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 135 What, forsooth, prevents That..I fulfill of her intents One she had the most at heart?
1933 Sun (Baltimore) 16 Aug. 4/2 The animals would be marketed..under a system of ‘stagger’ shipments to prevent swamping market and packing facilities.
1935 Discovery May 148/1 Two pairs of flannels were insufficient to prevent their [sc. mosquitoes'] drawing blood.
1995 Guardian 13 Dec. i. 7/1 EU free trade rules prevent their banning the export of calves to be reared in continental veal crates.
2002 J. Pottier Re-imagining Rwanda 1. 28 The population of the zone of Walikale has elected me to prevent that the zone be invaded by Tutsi.
10. transitive. To cut off beforehand, debar, or preclude (a person or other agent) from something; to deprive of a purpose, expectation, etc. Now rare. The sense with from is now usually expressed with a gerundial clause rather than a simple noun; see sense 14.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > from an action, purpose, etc.
warnc888
withseta1330
defendc1330
conclude1382
privea1387
retainc1415
refrain1442
prohibit1483
repel1483
stop1488
sever?1507
discourage1528
seclude?1531
prevent1533
foreclose1536
lock1560
stay1560
disallow1568
intercept1576
to put bya1586
crossa1616
stave1616
prevent1620
secure1623
stave1630
riot1777
tent1781
footer1813
to stop off1891
mozz1941
1533 tr. Erasmus Enchiridion Militis Christiani vi. sig. Eijv Jacob preuented him agayn of his fathers blessing [L. Iacob præripuit benedictionem].
1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. Ciiiiv How did wycked Iesabell preuente kynge Hachabs herte from god and al godlines, and finally vnto destruction.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. E7v As the gods to end the Troyans toile, Preuented Turnus of Lauinia.
1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον vi. 273 The Consull was prevented of his purpose.
1673 J. Dryden Assignation Ep. Ded. sig. A2 I have declar'd thus much before-hand, to prevent you from suspicion, that I intend to Interest either your judgment or your kindness.
1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. xv. i. 101 I should scarce regret Death so much on any worldly Account as preventing me of so desirable a Sight.
1813 L. Hunt in Examiner 15 Feb. 97/2 A wall prevents me from this sight.
1882 W. E. Forster Let. 23 Apr. in 19th Cent. Oct. (1888) 615 To prevent men from the fulfilment of their contracts, or in any way, by boycotting or otherwise, to intimidate them from the full enjoyment of their rights.
1923 Times Lit. Suppl. 16 Aug. 541/2 His [sc. Cotton's] convivial wit prevents him from the highest aims in verse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > thwart or foil
false?c1225
confoundc1315
blenk?a1400
matea1400
interrupt1464
blench1485
fruster?a1513
frustrate?a1513
infatuate1533
disappoint1545
prevent1555
foila1564
blank1566
thwart1581
confute1589
dispurpose1607
shorten1608
foola1616
vain1628
balk1635
throwa1650
scotch1654
bafflea1674
crossbar1680
transverse1770
tomahawk1773
throttle1825
wreck1855
stultify1865
derail1889
to pull the plug1923
rank1924
1555 R. Braham in Lydgate's Auncient Hist. Warres betwixte Grecians & Troyans To Rdr. To preuent the malice of suche, as shal happlye accompte my trauayle herein rather rashe presumpcyon.
1616 Sir C. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 248 The putting off of the arraignments spent much money and prevented most men's expectations.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 4 Which if it had beene true, had preuented the Title of the Lady Elizabeth.
a1652 R. Brome Queenes Exchange (1657) iv. i. sig. E 4/2 All our art, And the Kings policy will be prevented.
12. intransitive. To take or use preventative measures. Formerly frequently with clause of purpose. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (intransitive)]
prevent1579
to shut the door in (also upon) (a person's) face1768
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 171 Pericles nowe to preuent that the people should not be glutted with seeing him to ofte..reserued him selfe..for matters of great importaunce.
1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 303 Doth it not stand her in hand to preuent that the number of catholiks do not increase?
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) ii. i. 28 So Cæsar may; Then least he may, preuent . View more context for this quotation
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso i. xiv. 25 It was impossible to prevent, but that a pair of shooes..should in process of time become torne.
1723 Pres. State Russia II. 122 The Design..was, to prevent that no body might be sent to meet me.
1987 ‘E. Peters’ Hermit of Eyton Forest (1988) v. 74 But they should not have him, not if Richard could prevent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > contrive to escape or evade
fleec1175
shunc1275
forgoc1305
passc1330
escapea1340
beglidea1350
voidc1380
shuntc1400
missa1522
evade1535
delude1536
to dally out1548
illude1553
prevent1598
outruna1616
to fail of1624
elude1634
subterfugea1643
shoot1685
shift1724
to get out of ——a1817
win by…1816
1598 W. Phillip tr. J. H. van Linschoten Disc. Voy. E. & W. Indies i. xciii. 168/1 The cloud came with a most horrible storme, and fell vppon them before they coulde preuent it.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. vi. 169 Th'hast not only lent Prudence to man, the Perils to preuent, Whearwith these foes threaten his feeble life.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. x. 439 To conclude this Epitome of France, three things I wish the way-faring man to preuent there.
?1706 E. Hickeringill Priest-craft: 2nd Pt. i. 10 Fox..had the Wit to keep his own Fingers out of the Fire, and prevent the Honour of dying a Martyr.
1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 132 The surest Method to prevent good Sense, is to set up something in the room of it.
14.
a. transitive. To stop, keep, or hinder (a person or thing) from doing something. Sometimes with from clause omitted.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > from an action, purpose, etc.
warnc888
withseta1330
defendc1330
conclude1382
privea1387
retainc1415
refrain1442
prohibit1483
repel1483
stop1488
sever?1507
discourage1528
seclude?1531
prevent1533
foreclose1536
lock1560
stay1560
disallow1568
intercept1576
to put bya1586
crossa1616
stave1616
prevent1620
secure1623
stave1630
riot1777
tent1781
footer1813
to stop off1891
mozz1941
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron I. v. viii. f. 203 To preuent the like heauy doome from falling on her; she studied..how to change her hatred into kinde loue.
1663 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 480 If not prevented by raine [they] would have rode..before the corps [= corpse] up the street.
1711 J. Swift Conduct of Allies 44 So great a Number of Troops..as should be able to..prevent the Enemy from erecting their Magazines.
1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. xvii. 528 To conduct every circumstance so as to prevent the designs of Satan from taking effect.
1758 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. 24 The intention is evidently this; by preventing private teachers within the walls of the city, to collect all the common lawyers into the one public university, which was newly instituted in the suburbs.
1839 T. Keightley Hist. Eng. II. 33 Henry took due precautions to prevent the bull from getting into his dominions.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 352 There is nothing to prevent us from considering..the subject of law.
1940 Amer. Boy Feb. 4/2 He tried to speak but Harvey's measured words, like cold, dripping water, went on and prevented him.
1992 Economist 21 Nov. 77/2 After this victory, strikers picketed the newspaper's main building to prevent delivery trucks from leaving.
b. transitive. With gerund but without from.The construction prevent me (you, etc.) going appears to be short for prevent me (you, etc.) from going, perhaps influenced by prevent my (your, etc.) going (see sense 9b) from which it is, in any case, indistinguishable (in the absence of a written apostrophe) when a plural noun precedes the gerund. This construction has sometimes been criticized as incorrect.
ΚΠ
1670 J. Eachard Grounds Contempt of Clergy 16 They took..heretofore a very good method to prevent Sizars over-heating their Brains: Bed-making [etc.].
1689 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 253 Any Expedient..for preventing ffurther heats arriseing vpon such occasions.
1718 J. Fox Wanderer 147 A free Confession..easily prevents a little Error growing to a great Evil.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 134 She had been prevented telling me her story.
1807 R. Southey Let. to N. Lightfoot 24 Apr. Circumstances have prevented me going to Portugal.
1867 J. Morley Burke 92 To prevent this becoming a serious affair.
1874 G. W. Dasent Half a Life II. 275 I know of no accident that ought to prevent you being in the first class.
1936 F. J. Camm Every Cyclist's Handbk. xvii. 108 The cyclist should..take great care to prevent oil entering the shell of a hub brake.
1995 Independent 20 Jan. 8/1 Carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful disorder of the hand, prevented him writing his own letters.
Compounds
prevent defence n. American Football a defensive strategy intended to prevent the completion of a long pass, esp. one in which an additional pass defender plays in the deep field; = prevent n.
ΚΠ
1956 Los Angeles Times 29 July ii. 5/4 The Rams also have a ‘prevent defense’, used only when the opposition must throw panic passes.
1984 J. Lawton All Amer. War Game 139 A prevent defense is generally used in the final minutes of the half.
2003 N.Y. Times 3 Nov. d8/1 The score was 21-6 when the Cowboys went to a prevent defense, and the Redskins went 81 yards to score with 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining.
prevent zone n. American Football a zone defence intended to prevent the completion of a long pass.
ΚΠ
1984 Washington Post 23 Jan. c6/3 On this play, he was assigned man-to-man on Washington while the rest of the defense was in a prevent zone.
1988 L. Wilson Amer. Football 101/1 A prevent zone designed to stop the long bomb but at the expense of a shorter pass.
2003 San Diego Union-Tribune (Nexis) 22 Sept. e18 Boston found an open area in Baltimore's prevent zone and hauled in a 20-yard pass.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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