obviate
Other forms: obviated; obviating; obviates
To obviate means to eliminate the need for something or to prevent something from happening. If you want to obviate the possibility of a roach infestation, clean your kitchen regularly.
The prefix ob means "to go against." That makes sense when you look at the words obstruct and obstacle, but how about obstetrics? Why does the name of the branch of medicine dealing with birth have the same root as words that mean "stop" or "get in the way"? Because a midwife stands opposite to, or against, the woman giving birth.
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do away with
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prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
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Vocabulary lists containing obviate
This list of intermediate words features a mixture of easier and more difficult words that you may be less familiar with. Study these words and watch your GRE score grow.
In this groundbreaking work, economist Adam Smith examines labor practices, commerce, and economic growth.
This riveting book tells the true story of a group of prisoners of war who escaped from Germany during World War I.
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