Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Obviate \Ob"vi*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Obviated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Obviating}.] [L. obviare; ob (see {Ob-}) + viare to
   go, fr. via way. See {Voyage}.]
   1. To meet in the way. [Obs.]

            Not to stir a step to obviate any of a different
            religion.                             --Fuller.

   2. To anticipate; to prevent by interception; to remove from
      the way or path; to make unnecessary; as, to obviate the
      necessity of going.

            To lay down everything in its full light, so as to
            obviate all exceptions.               --Woodward.

Source : WordNet®

obviate
     v 1: do away with [syn: {rid of}, {eliminate}] [ant: {necessitate}]
     2: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
        avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert
        a strike" [syn: {debar}, {deflect}, {avert}, {head off}, {stave
        off}, {fend off}, {avoid}, {ward off}]