Main Entry: fore·stall

Pronunciation: \fȯr-ˈstȯl\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from forstall act of waylaying, from Old English foresteall, from fore- + steall position, stall

Date: before 12th century

1 : to prevent the normal trading in by buying or diverting goods or by persuading persons to raise prices
2 archaic : intercept
3 obsolete : obstruct, beset
4 : to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures
5 : to get ahead of : anticipate

synonyms see prevent

— fore·stall·er noun

— fore·stall·ment \-ˈstȯl-mənt\ noun