prevent

prevent is a Verb

Definition:

[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." Shak. Perhaps forestalling night prevented them. Milton.