prevenir
verb
1. to prevent
to stop something bad from happening
Common combinations
- prevenir enfermedades — prevent diseases
- prevenir accidentes — prevent accidents
- prevenir riesgos — prevent risks
- La vacuna previene muchas enfermedades.The vaccine prevents many diseases.
- Estas medidas previenen accidentes.These measures prevent accidents.
- El casco previene lesiones graves.The helmet prevents serious injuries.
2. to warn, to alert + de; + de que
to tell someone about a danger or problem
Common combinations
- prevenir de un peligro — warn about a danger
- prevenir de un riesgo — warn about a risk
- prevenir de una estafa — warn about a scam
- El médico me previno de los riesgos.The doctor warned me about the risks.
- Te prevengo de que no será fácil.I warn you that it will not be easy.
- La policía previno a los vecinos de la estafa.The police warned the neighbors about the scam.
3. to take precautions, to prepare prevenirse contra; prevenirse para
to prepare in advance for a possible problem
Common combinations
- prevenirse contra el frío — take precautions against the cold
- prevenirse para una crisis — prepare for a crisis
- tomar medidas preventivas — take preventive measures
- Hay que prevenirse contra el frío.You have to take precautions against the cold.
- La empresa se previno para una posible crisis.The company prepared for a possible crisis.
- Es mejor prevenir que lamentar.It is better to be safe than sorry.
Same root
Phrases with this word