'spread-preventing' originates from modern English, specifically the words 'spread' and 'prevent', where 'spread' meant 'to extend or distribute' and 'prevent' meant 'to hinder or stop'.

'prevent' comes from Latin 'praevenīre' (to come before) via Old French 'prevenir' and Middle English 'prevenen'; 'spread' is from Old English 'spreadan' meaning 'to stretch out, extend', and the compound 'spread-preventing' was formed in modern English as a descriptive compound.

Initially, 'prevent' had senses related to 'coming before' or 'anticipating', but over time it evolved into the primary sense 'to stop or hinder', which is reflected in compounds like 'spread-preventing'.