The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word STOPPED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
T
O
P
P
E
D
More clues leading to the result STOPPED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Prevented" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case prevented = stopped.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STOPPED mean?
STOPPED verb- To cease moving.
- To not continue.
- To cause (something) to cease moving or progressing.
- To cease; to no longer continue (doing something).
- To cause (something) to come to an end.
- To close or block an opening.
- (often with "up" or "down") To adjust the aperture of a camera lens.
- To stay; to spend a short time; to reside or tarry temporarily.
- To regulate the sounds of (musical strings, etc.) by pressing them against the fingerboard with the finger, or otherwise shortening the vibrating part.
- To punctuate.
- To make fast; to stopper.
- (of a vehicle) Not moving, but not properly parked or berthed; said also of the occupants of such a vehicle.
- (more generally) In the state resulting from having stopped.
- (of a pipe) Having a stop; being closed at one end.
- (of a plant) In a well-pruned state.
- Made by complete closure of the organs in the mouth; said of certain consonants such as b, d, p, and t.