obviate
[ ob-vee-eyt ]
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.
Origin of obviate
1Other 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
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
Origin of obviate
1C16: 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
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