Spanish word

prevenir

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeβeˈniɾ/

Meaning

  • verbprevent

Example

Para prevenir enfermedades, lávate las manos con frecuencia.

To prevent illness, wash your hands often.

Illustration for prevenir (prevent)

More examples

Para prevenir accidentes, conduce con cuidado.

To prevent accidents, drive carefully.

Core concept

A barrier set up before danger reaches people.

Common phrases

  • prevenir enfermedades

    prevent diseases

  • prevenir accidentes

    prevent accidents

  • prevenir el contagio

    prevent the spread of infection

Similar words

evitar: Keeps an unwanted event from happening by avoiding causes or situations.
impedir: Stops an action or event from proceeding by applying force or a method.
proteger: Guards a person or thing from danger or harm.
advertir: Warns someone about danger or a problem beforehand.

Definition in Spanish

Tomar medidas para evitar que ocurra un daño, una enfermedad o un riesgo.

Word origin

From Latin praevenire (prae 'before' + venire 'come'), literally 'come before' and so to act ahead to avoid harm or illness.

Usage tips

  • Prevenir a alguien often means warn someone, whereas prevenir + something means take measures to stop it and prevenirse means take precautions for oneself.

Other meanings

  • warnverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word