verb

forestall

Forestall (verb) means to prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.

verb

To prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.

To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible.

To purchase the complete supply of a good, particularly foodstuffs, in order to charge a monopoly price.

To anticipate, to act foreseeingly.

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Etymology

From Middle English forestallen (“to forestall, intercept, ambush, way-lay”), from forestalle (“a forestalling, interception”), from Old English foresteall (“intervention, hindrance of justice, ambush”), from fore- (“ahead of, before”) + steall (“position”), equivalent to fore- + stall.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of forestall?

"forestall" (verb) means to prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.

What are the different meanings of forestall?

"forestall" has 3 main meanings: 1. To prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert; 2. To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible; 3. To purchase the complete supply of a good, particularly foodstuffs, in order to charge a monopoly price.