The French verb “prévenir” means “to prevent” or “to warn.” It also means “to let [someone] know,” “to avert,” “to advise,” “to inform,” “to guard against,” “to notify” and “to forewarn.”

Examples

• “Je vais prévenir les autorités.” (I will inform the authorities.)
• “Préviens-moi si tu vois quelque chose de suspect.” (Let me know if you see anything suspicious.)
• “Il vaut mieux prévenir que guérir.” (It is better to prevent than to cure.)
• “Nous avons pris des mesures pour prévenir les accidents.” (We have taken measures to prevent accidents.)
• “Je l’ai prévenu de la situation.” (I informed him about the situation.)
• “Elle m’a prévenu de ne pas oublier la réunion.” (She advised me not to forget the meeting.)
• “Il m’a prévenu de son arrivée tardive.” (He let me know in advance about his late arrival.)
• “Préviens-moi quand tu seras prêt à partir.” (Let me know when you’re ready to leave.)

Etymology

The word “prévenir” comes from the Latin verb “praeventire,” composed of “prae” (before) and “eventire” (to come).