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 prices2archaic : intercept3obsolete : obstruct, beset4: to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures5: to get ahead of : anticipate

synonyms see prevent

— fore·stall·er noun

— fore·stall·ment \-ˈstȯl-mənt\ noun