forestall
/fɔrˈstɔl/
verb
- To prevent or delay something from happening by taking action in advance.
- She called ahead to forestall any confusion about the meeting time.
- The company raised prices to forestall a potential shortage of supplies.
- The city built a new dam to forestall flooding during the rainy season.
- To act before someone else in order to gain an advantage or prevent them from doing something.
- The team released their product early to forestall the competition.
- He arrived early to forestall his rival from claiming the best seat.
- By negotiating first, they hoped to forestall any hostile takeover.