If you forestall someone, you realize what they are likely to do and prevent them from doing it.
例句
O'Leary made to open the door, but Bunbury forestalled him by laying a hand on his arm...奥利里想去开门，但是邦伯里抢先一把摁住了他的胳膊。Large numbers of police were in the square to forestall any demonstrations.广场上驻守着大批警察以防止任何示威活动。
英汉词典释义
vt.
先发制人, 预先阻止
She forestalled their attempt.她先发制人, 阻止了他们的企图。
英英词典释义
Verb
1. keep from happening or arising; have the effect of preventing;