empêcher ☊ 
to prevent 
避免 
verhindern like: to prevent → →
fire prevention; to prevent fire ☊ 
phòng hỏa ☊ They took active steps to prevent the spread of the disease. ☊ active ☊
We hope to prevent anything unpleasant from happening. ☊ anything ☊
The prisoners were kept in chains (= with chains around their arms and legs, to prevent them from escaping). ☊ chain ☊
health measures to prevent the spread of disease ☊ disease ☊
She won't be invited again, not if I can help it (= if I can do anything to prevent it). ☊ sb can (not) help (doing) sth, sb can not help but do sth ☊
A UN force has been sent to keep the peace (= to prevent people from fighting). ☊ peace ☊
the peace movement (= that tries to prevent war by protesting, persuading politicians, etc.) ☊ peace ☊
The government took steps to prevent a scandal. ☊ prevent ☊
to prevent the spread of disease ☊ spread ☊
We are taking steps to prevent pollution. ☊ step ☊
measures to prevent unfair competition between member countries ☊ unfair ☊
They were trying to prevent an even worse tragedy. ☊ worse ☊
empêcher ☊ cela n’aurait évidemment rien empêché ☊
prévenir ☊ je suis à deux doigts de prévenir la police ☊