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be‧fore1 S1 W1
1 earlier than a particular event or action [≠ after]: 
Say goodbye before you go.I saw her a few days before she died. ➔ see usage note ago
Say goodbye before you go.I saw her a few days before she died.2 so that something does not or cannot happen : Put that money somewhere safe before it gets stolen. That dog ought to be destroyed before it attacks any more children. Before I could say anything more, Holmes had rushed off towards the station.
Put that money somewhere safe before it gets stolen.That dog ought to be destroyed before it attacks any more children.Before I could say anything more, Holmes had rushed off towards the station.3 used to say that something happens after a period of time : It was several minutes before we realised what was happening. It will be a while before we know the results.
It was several minutes before we realised what was happening.It will be a while before we know the results.4 used to say that something must happen in order for something else to be possible : You have to pass a test before you can get a licence.
You have to pass a test before you can get a licence.5 spoken used to warn someone that something bad will happen to them if they do not do something : Get out before I call the police!
Get out before I call the police!6 used to emphasize that someone does not want to do something : She would die before she would admit she was wrong.
She would die before she would admit she was wrong.