Prevent is a verb that means to stop something from happening. However, there are several words that can be used instead of prevent to convey the same meaning. One of them is hinder, which means to make it difficult for something to happen. Another synonym for prevent is impede, which means to obstruct or slow down something. Thwart is another suitable alternative, which means to prevent something from happening successfully. Similarly, prohibit means to stop something from being done legally. Lastly, preclude means to prevent something from happening by making it impossible. These synonyms for prevent can add variety and precision to one's writing or speaking.