Avoid a war vs Prevent a war

Both "avoid a war" and "prevent a war" are correct phrases in English. They can be used interchangeably to convey the idea of stopping a war from happening. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 751 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Avoid a war "

This phrase is used to indicate the act of staying away from or preventing a war from occurring.

Examples:

The diplomatic negotiations helped avoid a war between the two countries.
His actions were crucial in helping to avoid a war in the region.

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I for one would like to avoid a war.
They'll do anything to avoid a war with the Vampaneze.
Well, then, we try again and again if necessary to avoid a war.
If the proof, however, is not yet sufficient, then the United Nations inspection mission must be given the time it requests to try, again, to avoid a war.
Personally, I like to try to avoid a war.
If they can avoid a war, my people do not care what flag flies over Hawaii.
Well, I believe that everything humanly possible should be done... ...to avoid a war between our two countries.
In conclusion, I want to state that we must urge Saddam Hussein to cooperate with the weapons inspectors so that we avoid a war.
Is it the EU's intention to avoid a war against Iraq only in the short term?
Underlines in this context that everything possible should be done to avoid a war against Iraq; welcomes and supports the immediate sending of a mission of inspectors; urges the USA and the UK to refrain from unilateral intervention;

Alternatives:

prevent a war
avert a war
deter a war
stop a war
halt a war

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Prevent a war"

This phrase is used to indicate the act of stopping a war from happening before it starts.

Examples:

The peacekeeping efforts were successful in preventing a war.
The international community worked together to prevent a war from breaking out.

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Anyone who wants to prevent a war must prevent Saddam Hussein from being able to use biological, chemical or nuclear weapons.
Maybe it is not too late yet to prevent a war in Kosovo, but things are changing for the worse.
Let's remember, The only reason I came back over here Was to prevent a war.
Well, I did what I had to to prevent a war.
Do you really think the best way to prevent a war is to arm ourselves with nuclear weapons?
Yes, Macmillan might well be saying that this is all to prevent a war but we're putting our defence eggs in the nuclear basket.
And we must try to prevent a war outbreak as much as possible by doing our best.
We too have a responsibility, namely to work out how much cooperation is required here and now in order to prevent a war.
If I could go back in history and change one thing, I'd like to think I would prevent a war, but the truth is, I would probably prevent the Dallas cowboys from ever happening.

Alternatives:

avoid a war
avert a war
deter a war
stop a war
halt a war

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Avoid a war vs Prevent a war

"Avoid a war "

"Prevent a war"

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