obviate

[ob-vee-eyt] /ˈɒb viˌeɪt/
verb (used with object), obviated, obviating.
1.
to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary:
to obviate the risk of serious injury.
Origin
1590-1600; < Latin obviātus, past participle of obviāre to act contrary to, derivative of obvius; see obvious, -ate1
Related forms
obviable
[ob-vee-uh-buh l] /ˈɒb vi ə bəl/ (Show IPA), adjective
obviation, noun
obviator, noun
preobviate, verb (used with object), preobviated, preobviating.
unobviable, adjective
unobviated, adjective
Can be confused
ameliorate, obviate, vitiate.
Synonyms
preclude, avert, anticipate.
Examples from the web for obviate
  • The new system also would not obviate concerns about the accidental or malicious storage of images.
British Dictionary definitions for obviate

obviate

/ˈɒbvɪˌeɪt/
verb
1.
(transitive) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
Derived Forms
obviation, noun
Usage note
Only things that have not yet occurred can be obviated. For example, one can obviate a possible future difficulty, but not one that already exists
Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin obviātus prevented, past participle of obviāre; see obvious
Word Origin and History for obviate
v.

1590s, "to meet and do away with," from Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare "act contrary to, go against," from Latin obvius "that is in the way, that moves against" (see obvious). Related: Obviated; obviating.