GRE vocabulary
Obviate
To remove a need or difficulty; to avoid or prevent something from happening.
Example
"Careful planning can obviate many potential problems before they even arise."
Etymology
From Latin obviat-, present participle stem of obviare 'to meet, to oppose,' from ob 'in the way of' + via 'way.' Meaning 'to prevent, to clear the way for' developed later.
Play today's word
Free daily SAT vocabulary game. One word, four definitions, be sharp.
Play WordSpar →