24 February 2015

obviate

[ob-vee-eyt]

verb (used with object), obviated, obviating.
1. to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary:
to obviate the risk of serious injury.

Origin
Latin
1590-1600; < Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre to act contrary to, derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1

Related forms
obviable [ob-vee-uh-buh l] (Show IPA), adjective
obviation, noun
obviator, noun
preobviate, verb (used with object), preobviated, preobviating.
unobviable, adjective

Can be confused
ameliorate, obviate, vitiate.

Synonyms
preclude, avert, anticipate.

Dictionary.com

Examples from the web for obviate
– The new system also would not obviate concerns about the accidental or malicious storage of images.

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Today’s aphorism

The duty of a true patriot is to protect his country from its government.

– Thomas Paine

On this day

24 February 1872 – death of William Webb Ellis, Anglican clergyman who is credited for creating Rugby Union after allegedly picking up the ball during a soccer match and running with it, while a student at Rugby School. Born 24 November 1806.

24 February 1955 – birth of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Died 5 October 2011.

24 February 2008 – death of Larry Norman, pioneering Christian rock musician. Born 8 April 1947.