Here are some examples:
* Preventing a fire: Installing smoke detectors and maintaining fire extinguishers can help prevent a fire from starting.
* Preventing illness: Washing your hands frequently and getting vaccinated can help prevent the spread of illness.
* Preventing accidents: Following safety guidelines and being cautious can help prevent accidents.
Synonyms for "preventing" include:
* Stopping
* Avoiding
* Inhibiting
* Obstructing
* Blocking
* Hindering
Note: "Preventing" can also be used in a more general sense, meaning to make something less likely to happen. For example, "The government is taking steps to prevent unemployment."