Definitions

1. verb

to act or intervene in a situation so as to prevent something from happening

“The company tried to prevene the economic downturn by diversifying its investments.”

2. verb

to prevent or stop something from happening

“The fire department managed to prevene the spread of the fire by acting quickly.”

3. verb

to come before or forestall something

“The team’s early warning system helped them to prevene the attack.”