Zabránit

Zabránit is a Czech verb meaning “to prevent” or “to avert.” It is a perfective verb formed with the prefix z- added to the verb bránit (to defend, to ward off). The prefix contributes a sense of preventing an event from occurring, as opposed to a general or ongoing act of defense.

Usage and syntax

Zabránit is used with objects in the accusative when referring to preventing something, and with the preposition v plus the locative when referring to preventing someone from doing something (zabránit někomu v něčem). Common collocations include zabránit škodě (to prevent damage), zabránit vzniku požáru (to prevent the outbreak of a fire), and zabránit mu v odchodu (to prevent him from leaving).

Grammar and conjugation

Zabránit is perfective, so present tense forms function as future: já zabráním, ty zabráníš, on/ona zabrání, my zabráníme, vy zabráníte, oni zabrání. The imperfective counterpart is bránit. The past tense is formed with the appropriate auxiliary and the participle: zabránil jsem (masc), zabránila jsem (fem), zabránili jsme, etc. The passive participle is zabráněný (prevented).

Etymology and related terms

The word derives from bránit with the prefix z-, signaling completion or achievement of the preventing action. Related concepts include zabránění (the act of preventing) and preventivní (preventive). In broader semantic fields, it sits near other Czech verbs of hindering and avoidance such as předcházet (to prevent in the sense of avoiding beforehand).

See also

bránit, zabránění, prevence, prevence rizik, preventivní.