verb
forestall
for-STAWL/fɔːrˈstɔːl/
To prevent or delay something by acting in advance.
The worker forestalls flood damage by placing sandbags before the water reaches the doorway.
Etymology
The original image was standing before someone, hence an ambush or obstruction. Intercepting someone or something in advance connects that physical image with the modern meaning of preventing or delaying an event.
In context
“If I said how I would earn them, another man might hear and forestall me. It is not good to sell knowledge for nothing.”
More examples
- She answers common questions upfront to forestall confusion.
- The company lowered its prices to forestall a drop in sales.
- These talks may forestall a strike, but the dispute remains unresolved.
Forms
forestall · forestalls · forestalled · forestalling