prevenir

Senses

1. 1.

   to prevent

   to stop something from happening; to avoid or forestall

2. 2.

   to warn

   to inform someone in advance; to caution or alert

3. 3.

   to prepare (oneself)

   to get ready or take precautions against something (reflexive: prevenir-se)

Examples

• "É melhor prevenir do que remediar."

  It's better to prevent than to cure. / Prevention is better than cure.

• "Vacinas ajudam a prevenir muitas doenças graves."

  Vaccines help prevent many serious diseases.

• "Ele me preveniu sobre os riscos da viagem."

  He warned me about the risks of the trip.

Usage

Most commonly used in the "prevent" sense, especially in health and safety contexts. The famous saying "Prevenir é melhor que remediar" is widely used. Takes preposition "contra" when meaning to protect against something. Don't confuse with "prever" (to foresee).