prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.
measures taken to prevent leaks
anticipate may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first.
anticipated the question by making a statement
forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.
hoped to forestall the sale
Example Sentences
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 WebBut a rebound in energy prices because of the war in Ukraine or other factors could forestall any sustained improvement in inflation. Jon Hilsenrath, WSJ, 28 Aug. 2022 Two top aides to Vice President Mike Pence testified to the federal grand jury in the case last week, and prosecutors have issued subpoenas and search warrants to a growing number of figures tied to Trump and the campaign to forestall his loss.BostonGlobe.com, 26 July 2022 Two top aides to Vice President Mike Pence testified to the federal grand jury in the case last week, and prosecutors have issued subpoenas and search warrants to a growing number of figures tied to Mr. Trump and the campaign to forestall his loss.New York Times, 26 July 2022 Russian leaders must make good their losses, fast, in order to forestall a more forceful Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south. David Axe, Forbes, 25 July 2022 Earlier in the pandemic, experts thought that immunity from vaccination or previous infection would forestall most reinfections.New York Times, 16 May 2022 This solution would forestall the need for transgender women to take hormone-suppressing drugs.New York Times, 29 May 2022 Clarifying the responsibilities of the joint session members and the vice president during the transition would help forestall similar crises in the future. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 7 June 2022 The policy will protect any panels delivered during that window, which officials hope will jumpstart deliveries and forestall the cancellation of solar construction projects. Tim Mcdonnell, Quartz, 6 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from forstall act of waylaying, from Old English foresteall, from fore- + steall position, stall