The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.]
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   1. To meet in the way. [Obs.]
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            Not to stir a step to obviate any of a different
            religion.                             --Fuller.
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   2. To anticipate; to prevent by interception; to remove from
      the way or path; to make unnecessary; as, to obviate the
      necessity of going.
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            To lay down everything in its full light, so as to
            obviate all exceptions.               --Woodward.
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