obviate

verb

ob·​vi·​ate ˈäb-vē-ˌāt 

obviated; obviating

transitive verb

: to anticipate and prevent (something, such as a situation) or make (an action) unnecessary

The new medical treatment obviates the need for surgery.

obviation

ˌäb-vē-ˈā-shən 

noun

Did you know?

Obviate derives from the Late Latin obviare (meaning "to meet or withstand") and the Latin obviam (meaning "in the way") and is also an ancestor of our adjective obvious. Obviate has a number of synonyms in English, including prevent, preclude, and avert; all of these words can mean "to hinder or stop something." When you prevent or preclude something, you put up an insurmountable obstacle. In addition, preclude often implies that a degree of chance was involved in stopping an event. Obviate generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to ward off trouble. Avert always implies that a bad situation has been anticipated and prevented or deflected by the application of immediate and effective means.

Synonyms

• avert
• forestall
• head off
• help
• preclude
• prevent
• stave off

Examples of obviate in a Sentence

The new medical treatment obviates the need for surgery.

The new treatment obviates many of the risks associated with surgery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Any tariffs would obviate much if not all of the cost savings achieved by manufacturing there, presenting another challenge for Newsom and his EV ambitions. —Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

That people have televisions, and even internet access, doesn’t obviate the pollution that is worst closer to where the poorer segments of society live. —David A. Teich, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

But the ability to artificially increase eyeballs doesn't obviate your responsibility to create authentically compelling content. —John Marino, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Some Indians treated the curfew as the occasion to gather in festive crowds, obviating its intended purpose. —Vidya Krishnan, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare to meet, withstand, from Latin obviam

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

obviate

verb

ob·​vi·​ate ˈäb-vē-ˌāt 

obviated; obviating

: to anticipate and take care of beforehand

obviate an objection