[ob-vee-eyt] 
| to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary: to obviate the risk of serious injury. |
| ob·vi·ate (ŏb'vē-āt') tr.v. ob·vi·at·ed, ob·vi·at·ing, ob·vi·ates To anticipate and dispose of effectively; render unnecessary. See Synonyms at prevent. [Latin obviāre, obviāt-, to hinder, from obvius, in the way; see obvious.] ob'vi·a'tion n., ob'vi·a'tor n. |
viˌeɪt