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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

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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