What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forestall
Example
The company took steps to forestall any potential problems with their new product launch. [forestall: verb]
Example
He hoped to forestall any further damage by acting quickly. [forestalling: gerund or present participle]
prevent
Example
The vaccine can help prevent the spread of the disease. [prevent: verb]
Example
The police took measures to prevent any further violence. [preventing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevent is more commonly used than forestall in everyday language. Prevent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forestall is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forestall and prevent?
Both forestall and prevent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but forestall may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent use in everyday language.
