Crossword Genius

Stop before opening (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prevent

'stop' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'before opening' is the wordplay.
'before' becomes 'pre'.
'opening' becomes 'vent' (vent is a kind of opening**).
'pre'+'vent'='PREVENT'

(Other definitions for prevent that I've seen before include "Stop, hinder" , "Stop, avert" , "Keep from happening" , "Obviate" , "Avert, hinder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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