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obviate

[ ob-vee-eyt ]
/ ˈɒb viˌeɪt /
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See synonyms for: obviate / obviation on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), ob·vi·at·ed, ob·vi·at·ing.
to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary: to obviate the risk of serious injury.
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Origin of obviate

1590–1600; from Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre “to act contrary to,” derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM obviate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to obviate

counteract, forestall, preclude, anticipate, avert, block, counter, deter, forfend, hinder, interfere, interpose, intervene, prevent, remove, restrain, ward, do away with, rule out, stave off

British Dictionary definitions for obviate

obviate
/ (ˈɒbvɪˌeɪt) /
verb
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)

Derived forms of obviate

obviation, noun

Word Origin for obviate

C16: from Late Latin obviātus prevented, past participle of obviāre; see obvious

usage for obviate

Only things that have not yet occurred can be obviated. For example, one can obviate a possible future difficulty, but not one that already exists
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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