diff --git a/configure.py b/configure.py
index d3192ca04c..1d0a1741ce 100755
--- a/configure.py
+++ b/configure.py
@@ -1653,6 +1653,9 @@ def icu_download(path):
   # always set icu_small, node.gyp depends on it being defined.
   o['variables']['icu_small'] = b(False)
 
+  # prevent data override
+  o['defines'] += ['ICU_NO_USER_DATA_OVERRIDE']
+
   with_intl = options.with_intl
   with_icu_source = options.with_icu_source
   have_icu_path = bool(options.with_icu_path)