DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Pre·vent v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prevented; p. pr. & vb. n. Preventing.]
 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. To be beforehand with; to anticipate. [Obs.]
    Their ready guilt preventing thy commands.   --Pope.
 3. To intercept; to hinder; to frustrate; to stop; to thwart. “This vile purpose to prevent.”
    Perhaps forestalling night prevented them.   --Milton.