Forestall
/ˌfɔːrˈstɔːl/noun
To prevent or obstruct something by acting first.
Did you know?The word began in medieval market law, where a forestaller was someone accused of buying goods before they reached the stall to control supply and profit.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
fore
“before; in front”
Old English
OE
steall
“a place, position, or stall”
12th–13th Century
Middle English
forestallen
“to occupy or intercept before others, especially in a market”
14th Century
Middle English
forestal
“an act of intercepting or buying up goods before they reached market”
Modern English
English
forestall
“to prevent, hinder, or anticipate by acting first”