Forestall/fɔːrˈstɔːl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Proactive Action Forestall is used when someone takes early action to prevent an issue. By raising the issue early, we could forestall any confusion. Pro Tip 2/3Time Sensitivity The term often implies acting just before something happens. Katie forestalled the leak by fixing the roof just before the rain started. Pro Tip 3/3Urgency Nuance Using 'forestall' can add a sense of urgency to the need to prevent something. To forestall the crisis, immediate action is required.