Forestall
hardNeutral tonefor-STAWL
verb
Definition
to prevent or hinder by acting in advance
Memory hook
FORE-STALL: you STALL something BEFORE (fore) it can happen, blocking it in advance like a fence at the gate.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The company cut prices to forestall a price war with rivals.”
“She answered the obvious objection first, hoping to forestall it.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The company cut prices to ______ a price war with rivals.”
Show answer
forestall
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Forestall is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "preempt" or "avert" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "permit".
Related GRE Words
obviate
to prevent or make unnecessary
stymie
to block, thwart, or frustrate progress toward a goal
subterfuge
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick
thwart
To prevent someone from accomplishing something
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
aberration
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
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