English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

obviate

Obviate (verb) means to anticipate and prevent or bypass (something which would otherwise have been necessary or required); to render (something) unnecessary.

verb
1
To anticipate and prevent or bypass (something which would otherwise have been necessary or required); to render (something) unnecessary.
2
To avoid (a future problem or difficult situation).
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “obviate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Etymology

First attested in 1567; borrowed from Latin obviātus, perfect passive participle of obviō (“to block, to hinder”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Rhymes for obviate

See all rhymes for obviate →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of obviate?

"obviate" (verb) means to anticipate and prevent or bypass (something which would otherwise have been necessary or required); to render (something) unnecessary.

What are the different meanings of obviate?

"obviate" has 2 main meanings: 1. To anticipate and prevent or bypass (something which would otherwise have been necessary or required); to render (something) unnecessary; 2. To avoid (a future problem or difficult situation).

Definitions from wiktionary, CC BY-SA · etymology from Wiktionary