obviate
[ ob-vee-eyt ]
/ ˈɒb viˌeɪt /
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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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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of obviate
OTHER WORDS FROM obviate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for obviate
obviate
/ (ˈɒbvɪˌeɪt) /
verb
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
Derived forms of obviate
obviation, nounWord 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
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