German word

verhindern

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈhɪndɐn/

Meaning

  • verbprevent

Example

Diese Maßnahmen verhindern Unfälle.

These measures prevent accidents.

Illustration for verhindern (prevent)

More examples

Ein Schutzhelm kann schwere Verletzungen verhindern.

A safety helmet can prevent serious injuries.

Core concept

A developing chain of events is cut off before it reaches its result.

Common phrases

  • einen Unfall verhindern

    avert an accident

  • einen Fehler verhindern

    prevent an error

  • Konflikte verhindern

    avert conflicts

Similar words

vermeiden: To avoid a problem through a choice or action so it does not arise.
stoppen: To bring ongoing movement or an event to a halt before it continues.
hindern: To block an action or process physically or mentally so it cannot proceed.
unterbinden: To suppress something at an early stage through enforcement or official measures.

Definition in German

aktiv handeln, damit ein Ereignis nicht stattfindet.

Word origin

Verhindern developed from ver- plus hindern, whose older Germanic base is related to hinter and conveys blocking something on its way.

Usage tips

  • As a verb with ver-, verhindern is inseparable and forms its past participle without ge: verhindert, not vergehindert.

Other meanings

  • hinderverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Verhinderungpreventionnoun
  • verhindertpreventedadjective

Word lists with this word