D defs.my
Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Prevent

/prĭv-ĕnt'/ · Pre·vent · IPA /pɹɪˈvɛnt/
01 v. t. To go before; to precede; hence, to go before as a guide; to direct.
imp. & p. p. Prevented; p. pr. & vb. n. Preventing
  1. 1.
    To go before; to precede; hence, to go before as a guide; to direct.[Obs.]
    “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” — 1 Thess. iv. 15.
    “We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and follow us.” — Bk. of Common Prayer.
    “Then had I come, preventing Sheba's queen.” Prior.
  2. 2.
    To be beforehand with; to anticipate.[Obs.]
    “Their ready guilt preventing thy commands.” Pope.
  3. 3.
    To intercept; to hinder; to frustrate; to stop; to thwart.
    “Perhaps forestalling night prevented them.” Milton.
02 v. i. To come before the usual time.
  1. 1.
    To come before the usual time.[Obs.]
    “Strawberries . . . will prevent and come early.” Bacon.