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Forestall: meaning, definitions and examples

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forestall

 

[ fɔːˈstɔːl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in business

Prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time.

Synonyms

avert, hinder, preclude, prevent, thwart

Examples of usage

  • His quick thinking helped him forestall the competitors' new product launch.
  • The company implemented a new marketing strategy to forestall any potential losses.
Context #2 | Verb

in legal terms

Obstruct or hinder (legal proceedings).

Synonyms

block, delay, hamper, impede, interfere with

Examples of usage

  • The defense attorney tried to forestall the trial by filing multiple motions.
  • The judge warned the witness not to forestall the questioning process.

Translations

Translations of the word "forestall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prevenir

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 verhindern

🇮🇩 mencegah

🇺🇦 перешкоджати

🇵🇱 zapobiegać

🇯🇵 防ぐ (ふせぐ)

🇫🇷 prévenir

🇪🇸 prevenir

🇹🇷 önlemek

🇰🇷 막다

🇸🇦 يمنع

🇨🇿 předejít

🇸🇰 predísť

🇨🇳 预防 (yùfáng)

🇸🇮 preprečiti

🇮🇸 fyrirbyggja

🇰🇿 алдын алу

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 qarşısını almaq

🇲🇽 prevenir

Etymology

The word 'forestall' originated from Middle English 'forestallen', which meant 'to waylay, ambush' or 'to intercept goods before they reach a market to buy or sell them first'. The prefix 'fore-' implies 'before' and 'stall' means 'to stand'. Over time, the meaning evolved to its current usage of preventing or obstructing an event or action by taking action ahead of time. The term is commonly used in business and legal contexts.

See also: afforestation, forestation, forester, forestry, reforest, reforestation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,095, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.