Forestall: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'forestall' to describe taking early action to stop something from happening, often by anticipating it.

• He tried to forestall any criticism by explaining his decision early.
• The government took steps to forestall a financial crisis.

'Prevent' is a general term for stopping something from happening or someone from doing something.

• Vaccinations can prevent many diseases.
• They installed cameras to prevent theft.

Use 'preclude' when something makes an event or action impossible, often by preventing it from the very start.

• Her disability precludes her from driving.
• The new law will preclude any further construction in this area.

'Hinder' implies creating obstacles that slow down progress or make it more difficult for something to happen.

• His poor health may hinder his chances of succeeding.
• Bad weather can hinder construction projects.

'Avert' is used when you turn away or prevent something undesirable from happening, often used with crises or disasters.

• She managed to avert an argument by changing the subject.
• Quick thinking helped avert a potential tragedy.

Use 'thwart' to describe actively opposing or stopping someone from achieving a goal, usually with a sense of intervention.

• The security team thwarted the robbery attempt.
• Her enemies tried to thwart her political ambitions.

Typically used when someone is taking action to prevent something from happening, often before it starts.

• He tried to forestall the meeting by raising several objections
• The government took steps to forestall an economic crisis

Utilized when something is being postponed or put off to a later time. It doesn't necessarily mean stopping it completely.

• The flight was delayed due to bad weather
• He decided to delay his decision until next week

Generally used to describe something that slows down progress or makes it harder to proceed. It often has a formal tone.

• Construction work is impeding traffic
• His lack of experience impeded his advancement in the company

Often used in informal contexts to describe something that disrupts or negatively impacts an activity or process. It usually carries a negative connotation.

• Don't interfere with their conversation
• The loud music interfered with my concentration

Used when something is being directly obstructed, physically or metaphorically. It often has a sense of stopping something completely.

• The road was blocked by fallen trees
• She tried to block him from entering the room

Used when something is making a task or process more difficult to complete. It indicates a hindrance but not a complete stoppage.

• The heavy rain hampered our progress
• His injuries hampered his ability to play