I.“praeque diem veniens,” Verg. E. 8, 17), v. n. and a., to come before, precede, get the start of, to outstrip, anticipate, to prevent (postAug.; for, in Cic. Off. 3, 7, 33, the correct reading is peremisset; cf.: antevenio, antecedo, praeverto); constr. absol. or with acc.
I. Lit., absol.: “hostis breviore viā praeventurus erat,” Liv. 22, 24: “praevenerat non fama solum, sed nuncius etiam ex regiis servis,” id. 24, 21: “Lucifero praeveniente,” Ov. F. 5, 548.—
(β).
With acc.: “talia agentem mors praevenit,” anticipated him, prevented the execution of his plans, Suet. Caes. 44: “desiderium plebis,” Liv. 8, 16: “damnationis ignominiam voluntariā morte praevenit,” anticipated, Val. Max. 1, 3, 3.—In pass., to be prevented, hindered, etc.: “quae ipse paravisset facere, perfidiā clientis sui praeventa,” Sall. J. 71, 5: “quod non praeventum morte fuisse, dolet,” prevented by death, Ov. Tr. 5, 4, 32: “peregissetque ultionem, nisi morte praeventus fuisset,” Just. 32, 3: “praeventus est ab Agrippinā,” Suet. Claud. 44; Plin. Ep. 9, 1, 3: “nisi praeveniretur Agrippina,” i. e. if she had not been killed beforehand, Tac. A. 14, 7: “si maritus sit in magistratu, potest praeveniri a patre,” the father can bring the accusation first, Dig. 48, 5, 15.—
2. To come or go beforehand (late Lat.): “ut praeveniant ad vos,” Vulg. 2 Cor. 9, 5: “praevenit ungere corpus meum,” id. Marc. 14, 8.—
II. Trop., to surpass, excel, be superior (post-Aug.): “Nomentanae vites fecunditate (Amineas) praeveniunt,” Col. 3, 2, 14.