Definition of "forestall" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.

   • Fred forestalled disaster by his prompt action.

2. (transitive) To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible.

   • In French, an aspired h forestalls elision.

3. (archaic) To purchase the complete supply of a good, particularly foodstuffs, in order to charge a monopoly price.

4. To anticipate, to act foreseeingly.

5. To deprive (with of).

6. (UK, law) To obstruct or stop up, as a road; to stop the passage of a highway; to intercept on the road, as goods on the way to market.

noun

1. (obsolete or historical) An ambush; plot; an interception; waylaying; rescue.

2. Something situated or placed in front.