forestall

IPA

Dictionary definition of forestall

To prevent, hinder, or obstruct an event or action from occurring by taking proactive measures or preemptive action.
"The negotiator proposed a compromise to forestall a deadlock in the negotiation process."

Detailed meaning of forestall

It involves anticipating or recognizing a potential problem, threat, or undesired outcome in advance and taking steps to avoid or minimize its impact. When someone forestalls something, they employ strategies, tactics, or interventions to disrupt or thwart an anticipated event or action. This can involve timely intervention, careful planning, or strategic maneuvering to gain an advantage or maintain control of a situation. Forestalling can occur in various contexts, such as in business, sports, personal relationships, or any situation where there is a need to prevent or preemptively address negative consequences. Overall, forestalling aims to circumvent or preempt an undesirable outcome by taking proactive and preemptive action.

Example sentences of forestall

1. The company implemented new security measures to forestall potential cyber attacks.
2. He intervened in the argument to forestall further escalation.
3. The driver slammed on the brakes to forestall a collision with the pedestrian.
4. The team executed a well-timed play to forestall the opponent's scoring attempt.
5. The professor offered extra study sessions to forestall any potential confusion before the exam.
6. The police set up roadblocks to forestall the escape of the criminal.

History and etymology of forestall

The verb 'forestall' has its origins in Middle English, where it was known as 'forestallen.' This Middle English term was formed by combining 'fore,' meaning 'before,' and 'stellen,' meaning 'to place' or 'to set.' 'Forestall' thus originally meant to set something before or in advance of an event or action, with the implication of taking proactive measures. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe the act of preventing, hindering, or obstructing an event or action from occurring by taking preemptive action. When one 'forestalls' something, they anticipate potential challenges or issues and act to head them off before they become problematic. The etymology of 'forestall' underscores its historical connection to the concept of taking action in advance to prevent or obstruct something, emphasizing its role in proactive problem-solving and planning.

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Further usage examples of forestall

1. She decided to have an open conversation to forestall any misunderstandings.
2. The government implemented strict regulations to forestall environmental degradation.
3. The company made strategic investments to forestall competition from emerging startups.
4. They implemented a contingency plan to forestall potential disruptions in the supply chain.
5. The homeowner installed security cameras to forestall any potential break-ins.They aim to forestall any potential conflicts through diplomacy.
6. Effective planning can forestall many common workplace issues.
7. Swift action is necessary to forestall a crisis.
8. Early intervention can forestall the spread of disease.
9. The new law seeks to forestall environmental damage.
10. We must forestall any further damage to the ecosystem.
11. Safety measures can forestall accidents in the workplace.
12. Their negotiations aim to forestall a trade war.
13. Timely communication can forestall misunderstandings.
14. Proactive measures can forestall financial setbacks.
15. The goal is to forestall any disruptions to the project.
16. Foresight helps us forestall potential pitfalls.
17. Let's work together to forestall future disputes.
18. Strong leadership can forestall team conflicts.
19. Preparedness can forestall natural disasters' impact.
20. We need to forestall any delays in the schedule.
21. Timely repairs can forestall equipment breakdowns.
22. The vaccination campaign aims to forestall outbreaks.
23. Effective policies can forestall security threats.
24. Education can help forestall ignorance and prejudice.