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obviate

[ob-vee-eyt]
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verb (used with object), ob·vi·at·ed, ob·vi·at·ing.
  1. 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; < Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre to act contrary to, derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1
Related formsob·vi·a·ble [ob-vee-uh-buhl] /ˈɒb vi ə bəl/, adjectiveob·vi·a·tion, nounob·vi·a·tor, nounpre·ob·vi·ate, verb (used with object), pre·ob·vi·at·ed, pre·ob·vi·at·ing.un·ob·vi·a·ble, adjectiveun·ob·vi·at·ed, adjective
Can be confusedameliorate obviate vitiate

Synonyms

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preclude, avert, anticipate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

interruption, deterrence, halt, blockage, stoppage, preclusion, interception, prohibition, obstruction, obstacle, avoidance, hindrance, impediment, determent, thwarting, inhibitor
British Dictionary definitions for obviation

obviate

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

Word Origin

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

n.

early 15c., from Medieval Latin obviationem (nominative obviatio), noun of action from past participle stem of obviare (see obviate).

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obviate

v.

1590s, "to meet and do away with," from Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare "act contrary to, go against," from Latin obvius "that is in the way, that moves against" (see obvious). Related: Obviated; obviating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper