forestall

verb
UK: /fɔːˈstɔːl/
US: /fɔːrˈstɔːl/

  1. To prevent something from happening by acting first.

    1. We should forestall problems before they start.
    2. The company forestalled criticism by releasing a statement early regarding the issue.

  2. To act in advance of someone in order to impede them.

    1. The government tried to forestall the protest march.
    2. She published the research to forestall others from claiming priority.

  3. To anticipate and deal with something before it occurs.

    1. Good planning can forestall many difficulties.
    2. The doctor prescribed medication to forestall any further complications with the patient's health.

Synonyms

obviate avert hinder impede preclude anticipate prevent

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "forestall" in English means: To prevent something from happening by acting first., To act in advance of someone in order to impede them., To anticipate and deal with something before it occurs..

The phonetic transcription of "forestall" is /fɔːˈstɔːl/ in British English and /fɔːrˈstɔːl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "forestall": obviate, avert, hinder, impede, preclude, anticipate, prevent.

Example usage of "forestall": "We should forestall problems before they start.". More examples on the page.