Crossword Genius

Stop prior to opening (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prevent

'stop' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'prior to opening' is the wordplay.
'prior to' becomes 'pre' (I've seen this in other clues).
'opening' becomes 'vent' (vent is a kind of opening).
'pre'+'vent'='PREVENT'

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

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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