3. To intercept; to hinder; to frustrate; to stop; to thwart. "This vile purpose to prevent." Shak. Perhaps forestalling night prevented them. Milton.
PREVENT
Pre*vent", v. i.
Defn: To come before the usual time. [Obs.]
Strawberries . . . will prevent and come early. Bacon.
PREVENTABILITY
Pre*vent`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being preventable.
PREVENTABLE
Pre*vent"a*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being prevented or hindered; as, preventable diseases.
PREVENTATIVE
Pre*vent"a*tive, n.
Defn: That which prevents; — incorrectly used instead of preventive.
PREVENTER
Pre*vent"er, n.