forestalled
Prevented by anticipation
Forestalled is the past tense of forestall, meaning to prevent or obstruct by acting in advance.
You forestall an outcome by taking preemptive action: She forestalled criticism by acknowledging the mistake first.
The word implies strategic anticipation—heading something off before it can develop or arrive.
Prevented from succeeding
- avertedPrevented from occurring
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
- stoppedBrought to a halt
- preemptedActed first to prevent
foiled · intercepted · obviated · precluded · headed off · cut off · nipped in the bud · circumvented
Moved to a later date
- deferredSet aside until later
- stalledStopped unexpectedly
- held offDelayed or resisted
- put offTo postpone action
delayed · suspended · adjourned · tabled · shelved · paused · prolonged · bought time
Acting to forestall
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- countermeasureDefense against a threat
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- tacticalStrategically planned
foresight · calculation · anticipatory · defensive · preventive · contingency · outflanked · outplayed
Unable to flee
- monopolizedClaimed exclusive control over
- hoardedCollected and concealed
- bought upPurchased entire supply
- stockpiledAccumulated reserve supplies
thwarted
Prevented from succeeding
preempted · foiled · intercepted · obviated · precluded · headed off · cut off · nipped in the bud · circumvented · counteracted
postponed
Moved to a later date
put off · delayed · suspended · adjourned · tabled · shelved · paused · prolonged · bought time · slowed
preemptive
Acting to forestall
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- countermeasureDefense against a threat
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
tactical · foresight · calculation · anticipatory · defensive · preventive · contingency · outflanked · outplayed · outsmarted
cornered
Unable to flee
- monopolizedClaimed exclusive control over
- hoardedCollected and concealed
- bought upPurchased entire supply
stockpiled · engrossed · speculated · market manipulation · price fixing
forestalledcaused
Made something occur
enabled · facilitated · permitted · encouraged · allowed