The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prevent \Pre*vent"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prevented; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Preventing.] [L. praevenire, praeventum; prae before
   + venire to come. See Come.]
   1. To go before; to precede; hence, to go before as a guide;
      to direct. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the
            Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. --1
                                                  Thess. iv. 15.
      [1913 Webster]

            We pray thee that thy grace may always prevent and
            follow us.                            --Bk. of
                                                  Common Prayer.
      [1913 Webster]

            Then had I come, preventing Sheba's queen. --Prior.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To be beforehand with; to anticipate. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Their ready guilt preventing thy commands. --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To intercept; to hinder; to frustrate; to stop; to thwart.
      "This vile purpose to prevent." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Perhaps forestalling night prevented them. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]