PREVENT

PREVENT' in the A.V., never means, as at present, "to hinder," but "to go before," "to anticipate." 1 Thess 4:15.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To come before the usual time. [Obs.] Strawberries . . . will prevent and come early. Bacon.