definition of
obviate

[1] #1 obviate v. [rid of, eliminate] do away with. wn

[2] #2 obviate v. [debar, forefend, forfend, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike". wn