forestalls

verb

1. 1

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

   “Fred forestalled disaster by his prompt action.”

2. 2

   To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible.

3. 3

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

4. 4

   To anticipate, to act foreseeingly.

5. 5

   To deprive (with of).

6. 6

   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.