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obviate

[ ob-vee-eyt ]
/ ˈɒb viˌeɪt /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR obviate 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.

RELATED WORDS

interruption, deterrence, halt, blockage, stoppage, preclusion, interception, prohibition, obstruction, obstacle, avoidance, hindrance, impediment, determent, thwarting, inhibitor

Nearby words

  1. obv,
  2. obverse,
  3. obversion,
  4. obvert,
  5. obviable,
  6. obviation,
  7. obvious,
  8. obviously,
  9. obvolute,
  10. obwalden

Origin of obviate

1590–1600; < Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre to act contrary to, derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1
Related forms
Can be confusedameliorate obviate vitiate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for obviation

obviate

/ (ˈɒbvɪˌeɪt) /

verb

(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
Derived Formsobviation, noun

Word Origin for obviate

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

usage

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
Word Origin and History for obviation
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper