All 8 Uses of

prevent
in
The Iliad by Homer - (translated by: Butler)

But it will be well that I should first sound them, and to this end I will tell them to fly with their ships; but do you others go about among the host and prevent their doing so.†
Book 2

prevent = stop (something from happening)

The Trojans and their allies have camped hard by our ships and by the wall; they have lit watchfires throughout their host and deem that nothing can now prevent them from falling on our fleet.†
Book 9

If, however, he is too quick for us, go after him with your spear and hem him in towards the ships away from the Trojan camp, to prevent his getting back to the town.†
Book 10

It was Antimachus who had been foremost in preventing Helen's being restored to Menelaus, for he was largely bribed by Alexandrus; and now Agamemnon took his two sons, both in the same chariot, trying to bring their horses to a stand—for they had lost hold of the reins and the horses were mad with fear.†
Book 11

preventing = stopping (something from happening)

As peasants with their hounds chase a lion from their stockyard, and watch by night to prevent his carrying off the pick of their herd—he makes his greedy spring, but in vain, for the darts from many a strong hand fall thick around him, with burning brands that scare him for all his fury, and when morning comes he slinks foiled and angry away—even so did Ajax, sorely against his will, retreat angrily before the Trojans, fearing for the ships of the Achaeans.†
Book 11

prevent = stop (something from happening)

Now and again he would turn and show fight, keeping back the battalions of the Trojans, and then he would again retreat; but he prevented any of them from making his way to the ships.†
Book 11

prevented = stopped (something from happening)

Then Nestor knight of Gerene, answered, "It is indeed as you say; it is all coming true at this moment, and even Jove who thunders from on high cannot prevent it.†
Book 14

prevent = stop (something from happening)

But even so, Patroclus, fall upon them and save the fleet, lest the Trojans fire it and prevent us from being able to return.†
Book 16 *

Definition:

to stop (something from happening)