Definition

1. Verb:
   • To prevent or avoid something, especially by making it unnecessary: To remove a difficulty, need, or possibility, thereby preventing something from happening.
   • To make something unnecessary: To anticipate and dispose of a problem or requirement in advance.

Usage

• Transitive Verb: "Obviate" is used with a direct object (the thing being prevented or made unnecessary).
• Formal/Technical Register: This word is more common in formal, academic, or technical writing than in casual conversation. It often describes preventing problems, risks, or the need for further action.

Examples

• The new traffic system obviates the need for a left-turn lane at that intersection.
• Regular software updates obviate many common security risks.
• His thorough explanation obviated any further questions from the committee.
• The invention of email obviated the necessity for much physical mail.

Advanced Usage

• "To obviate the necessity/need for something": A common collocation meaning to make something no longer required.
  • The backup generator obviates the need for a battery bank.
• "To obviate a problem/difficulty/risk": To prevent a specific issue from arising.
  • Careful planning obviated the logistical difficulties we had feared.

Variants and Related Words

• Obviation (noun): The act of obviating; prevention.
  • The obviation of conflict was their primary goal.
• Obviating (adjective/participle): Serving to obviate.
  • The obviating measures were highly effective.

Synonyms

• Prevent: To stop something from happening.
• Avert: To turn away or prevent (something bad or dangerous).
• Forestall: To prevent or hinder by taking action beforehand.
• Preclude: To make impossible, especially in advance.
• Eliminate: To completely remove or get rid of.

Antonyms

• Necessitate: To make necessary or unavoidable.
• Require: To need for a particular purpose.
• Cause: To make something happen.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of "obviate" involves removing the reason for something to exist or occur. It is not merely stopping an event, but making the event irrelevant or impossible by addressing its cause or prerequisite.
• It often implies foresight and proactive action.

Verb

1. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
   • Let's avoid a confrontation
   • head off a confrontation
   • avert a strike
2. do away with