ob·vi·ate \ˈäbvēˌāt, usu -ād.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare to meet, withstand, oppose, from Latin obviam in the way 1.: to meet or anticipate and dispose of : make unnecessary < obviate the necessity of going > 2.obsolete: oppose Synonyms:see prevent