obviation

verb (used with object), ob·vi·at·ed, ob·vi·at·ing.

1. to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary: to obviate the risk of serious injury.

verb

1. (tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)

n.early 15c., from Medieval Latin obviationem (nominative obviatio), noun of action from past participle stem of obviare (see obviate). v.1590s, “to meet and do away with,” from Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare “act contrary to, go against,” from Latin obvius “that is in the way, that moves against” (see obvious). Related: Obviated; obviating.