obviate

[ ob-vee-eyt ]
See synonyms for obviate on Thesaurus.com
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.

Origin of obviate

1
1590–1600; from Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre “to act contrary to,” derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1

Other words for obviate

Other words from obviate

  • ob·vi·a·ble [ob-vee-uh-buhl], /ˈɒb vi ə bəl/, adjective
  • ob·vi·a·tion, noun
  • ob·vi·a·tor, noun
  • pre·ob·vi·ate, verb (used with object), pre·ob·vi·at·ed, pre·ob·vi·at·ing.
  • un·ob·vi·a·ble, adjective
  • un·ob·vi·at·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for obviate

obviate

/ (ˈɒbvɪˌeɪt) /


verb
  1. (tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)

Origin of obviate

1
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

Derived forms of obviate

  • obviation, noun

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