forestalled; forestalling; forestalls
1
: to exclude, hinder, or prevent (something) by prior occupation or measures
Negotiations failed to forestall the conflict.
2
: to get ahead of (something) : anticipate
detailed explanations intended to forestall questions
3
: to prevent the normal trading in (something) by buying or diverting goods or by persuading people to raise prices
… forestalling the wheat harvest and selling it at three times its cost …—
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw4
archaic
: intercept
… he sprang like a cat to the top of the cabin and ran aft. But his pursuers forestalling him, he doubled back across the cabin …—Jack London
Jack London
forestaller
noun
Synonyms
Examples of forestall in a Sentence
Negotiations failed to forestall the conflict.
His comments were meant to forestall criticism of his proposal.
He forestalled critics by offering a defense of the project.
Recent Examples on the Web
If these practices are not forestalled soon, the least scrupulous actors will quickly accrue power and the fancy lobbyists and lawyers that come along with it.
—Adam Clair, Vox, 1 July 2024
The Democratic measure won 51 votes — a majority, but not enough to forestall a filibuster threat, which would have required 60 votes.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2024
Politicians across the South are sure to react with ever more draconian laws and policies aimed at forestalling unionization.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
Regular screening of men at baby checkups could forestall the condition, Wainwright said.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for forestall 
Adam Clair, Vox, 1 July 2024
The Democratic measure won 51 votes — a majority, but not enough to forestall a filibuster threat, which would have required 60 votes.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2024
Politicians across the South are sure to react with ever more draconian laws and policies aimed at forestalling unionization.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
Regular screening of men at baby checkups could forestall the condition, Wainwright said.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for forestall
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forestall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near forestall
Cite this Entry
“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forestall. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forestall
verb
fore·stall
fōr-ˈstȯl 
fȯr-
: to keep out, interfere with, or prevent by steps taken in advance
forestaller
noun
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