List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 299

SYNONYMS: prevent, preclude, avert, obviate, forestall.
These verbs mean to stop or hinder something from happening, especially by advance planning or action.

Prevent implies anticipatory counteraction: The surest way to prevent war is to fear it.
To preclude is to exclude the possibility of the occurrence of an event or action: We must preclude the possibility of war.
To avert is to ward off something about to happen: Only quick thinking on the pilot's part averted a disastrous accident.
Obviate implies that something, such as a difficulty, has been anticipated and disposed of effectively: The objections have been obviated in the preceding chapter.
Forestall usually suggests anticipatory measures taken to counteract, neutralize, or nullify the effects of something: I bought an alarm system to forestall break-ins.