Obviate

Verb

Definition: To prevent or avoid (something) by taking anticipatory measures.

Synonyms: Prevent, Avoid, Eliminate, Avert

Antonyms: Cause, Provoke, Incite

Examples:

By implementing safety measures, we can obviate the need for a major accident investigation.
His apology obviated any further misunderstandings.

Mnemonics:

Think of obviate as "making things unnecessary or getting rid of the need for something."

Origin:

Late Middle English from Latin obviat- 'prevented, hindered', from the verb obviare, from ob- 'against' + viam 'way'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since the late Middle English period and has retained its meaning throughout history.

Idiom:

"Obviate the need"

Explanation:

Refers to taking actions that eliminate or prevent the necessity for something.

Misconception:

Using "obviate" as a synonym for "avoid" without considering the preventative measures aspect.

Explanation:

Obviate includes the idea of taking action to prevent or eliminate the need for something, rather than simply avoiding it.