verb
forestall
Forestall (verb) means to stop something from happening by acting early to get in its way.
verb
1
To stop something from happening by acting early to get in its way.
"Fred forestalled disaster by his prompt action."
2
To rule something out completely so that it cannot happen.
"In French, an aspired h forestalls elision."
3
To buy up the whole stock of something, especially food, so it can be sold at a very high price.
4
To act early because you expect something to happen.
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English forestallen (“to forestall, intercept, ambush, way-lay”), from forestalle (“a forestalling, interception”), which developed from Old English foresteall (“intervention, hindrance of justice, ambush”), from fore- (“ahead of, before”) and steall (“position”); it can also be analysed as fore- and stall.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of forestall?
"forestall" (verb) means to stop something from happening by acting early to get in its way.
What is another word for forestall?
Other words for "forestall" include prevent, preclude, anticipate, counter, forbid, foreclose.
What are the different meanings of forestall?
"forestall" has 3 main meanings: 1. To stop something from happening by acting early to get in its way; 2. To rule something out completely so that it cannot happen; 3. To buy up the whole stock of something, especially food, so it can be sold at a very high price.
