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obviation

obviation

9.9
To stop problems before they happen by planning ahead
  • noun
  • /ˌɑbvɪˈeɪʃən/
  • Formal
translation icon : obviación
  • Despite the protest of counsel for the defendants that the utility of the hot blast was not disputed, Mr. Kelly took Russell through a sequence of questions designed to bring out in just what ways it was useful (i.e., the obviation of the need to coke the coal, the saving of fuel, etc.).

Examples

  • Effective planning can lead to the obviation of delays and unexpected challenges during the event.

  • Her proactive approach resulted in the obviation of complications that could have arisen later.

  • The researchers gather data from deep beneath the ocean by installing CORK (Circulation Obviation Retrofit Kit) observatories into the boreholes.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Other than the rampant self-promotion of awful cooking on his early Food Network show, his shilling for TGI Friday's should be a complete obviation of how he's as low as it gets in terms of food.

    Blog text (9)
  • Members of the Expedition 336 shipboard science party pose for a photograph moments before a completed CORK (circulation obviation retrofit kit) is lowered into the sea.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Microbiologist Katrina Edwards and biogeochemist Heath Mills sample material from a CORK (circulation obviation retrofit kit) as it is retrieved from the seafloor.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The obviation of potential issues in the project allowed the team to focus on their main goals.

Synonyms

prevention
vsobviation
221 2.4

Stopping something harmful from happening

emphasizes anticipating and active countermeasures rather than simple stopping
avoidance
vsobviation
39 3.7

Keeping away from something or stopping it from happening

involves active anticipation and counteraction rather than merely keeping away
preclusion
vsobviation
1 8.5

Preventing something by dealing with it before it happens

is a broader term for the same anticipatory prevention
forestalling
vsobviation
8.3

Stopping something before it happens by acting early

is used more generally for anticipatory prevention rather than timing of action
averting
vsobviation
5.8

Stopping something bad from happening

involves anticipating and preparing in advance to prevent problems

Antonyms

1.0

To make something happen

How Preventive

prevention
221 2.4
obviation
  • Formal
9.9
avoidance
39 3.7

Surface Forms

obviation singular
obviations plural

Morphology

obviation = obviate (transparent) = obviate + ion

Regular nominalization of the verb 'obviate' to form 'obviation' denoting the act or process of obviating.

Etymology

The word obviation comes from Latin parts ob- 'against' and via 'way', so it originally meant 'to meet something in the way'. Think of meeting a problem on the road and stopping it before it reaches you, which is why obviation means preventing a problem by acting early.