English vocabulary · C1
Obviate
/ˈɑːbvieɪt/ · v.
It means to stop a problem before it can happen.
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Example sentences
- New locks obviate the need for a guard.
- Better drainage can obviate any flood risk.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ob — against (from Latin)
- via — road (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PREVENT — stop from happening (General & Common)
- AVOID — stay away from (Casual & Direct)
- FOREDESTALL — act early to block (Formal & Precise)
Words with the same root
via — road
- previous — coming before in time
- deviate — to turn away from a planned path
- trivial — not important; minor
Lesson notes
Obviate. It means to stop a problem before it can happen.
Similar words are prevent, avoid, and foredestall. Use obviate when smart action removes a future problem completely.
New locks obviate the need for a guard. Better drainage can obviate any flood risk.
From Latin. Ob- means against. Via- means road. Blocking the road before trouble arrives — that is obviate.