prevenir
verbCEFR B2
What does “prevenir” mean in English?
to prevent
to prevent (prevenir + noun — take advance action to stop something; also: to warn)
Example sentences
El programa de vacunación fue diseñado para prevenir la propagación de enfermedades infecciosas.
The vaccination programme was designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
El informe previno a los inversores de los riesgos asociados con el mercado emergente.
The report warned investors of the risks associated with the emerging market.
How to use it
Prevenir means 'to prevent' or 'to warn'. Irregular: yo prevengo (like venir compounds). Structure: prevenir algo (prevent something); prevenir a alguien de algo (warn someone of something). Important collocation: más vale prevenir que curar (prevention is better than cure).
Common mistake
Prevenir (prevent OR warn) vs. evitar (avoid — personal action to sidestep something) vs. impedir (prevent — more forceful obstruction). Prevenir focuses on advance action; impedir on blocking an occurrence.