The term 'prevent' can be defined as to STOP something from happening or to keep something from occurring. The crossword solutions for this term include END, STAY, DESIST, HALT, GAG, BAN, CHECK, BAR, FOIL, STOP, AVERT, DEBAR, DETER, ESTOP, THWART, OBVIATE, RULEOUT, WARDOFF, STAVEOFF, and FORESTALL. Each of these words has a similar meaning to prevent, but they all have slightly different nuances. For example, END implies that something is finished, while STAY suggests that something should remain in its current state. DESIST implies that an action should cease, while HALT implies that movement should STOP. GAG implies that speech should be restricted, while BAN implies that something should be prohibited. CHECK implies that something should be restrained, while BAR implies that something should be blocked. FOIL implies that something should be prevented from succeeding, while STOP implies that something should be stopped immediately. AVERT implies that something should be avoided, while DEBAR implies that something should be excluded. DETER implies that something should be discouraged, while ESTOP implies that something should be prevented from happening. THWART implies that something should be frustrated, while OBVIATE implies that something should be prevented from arising. RULEOUT implies that something should be eliminated, while WARDOFF implies that something should be kept away. STAVEOFF implies that something should be delayed, and FORESTALL implies that something should be anticipated and prevented.