forestall
UK: fɔːˈstɔːl | US: fɔːrˈstɔːl
vt. to prevent or hinder by taking action beforehand
vt. to anticipate and act before (someone else) to gain an advantage
vt. (archaic) to intercept or obstruct (goods, supplies, etc.) before reaching their destination
forestall = fore<before> + stall<delay>
- fore: From Old English fore, meaning "before" (in time or position).
- stall: From Old English steall, meaning "a standing place" or "delay," later evolving to imply obstruction or hindrance.
Etymology Origin:
The word forestall originated in Middle English (as forestallen), combining fore- (indicating precedence) and stall (originally referring to a physical barrier or delay). Initially used in commerce to describe intercepting goods before they reached the market (to control supply or prices), it later broadened to mean any preemptive action to hinder or outmaneuver. The logic reflects a literal "standing before" to block or act first.
The company introduced discounts to forestall competition from new rivals.
She forestalled criticism by addressing potential concerns in her presentation.
Medieval merchants would forestall shipments to manipulate prices.
Quick diplomacy helped forestall a full-scale conflict.
The government implemented policies to forestall economic collapse.