1. To prevent or to obstruct something from happening or to cause it to occur at a later time: The labor negotiations forestalled the strike for at least a year.

Some health specialists claim that vitamins can forestall many illnesses caused by aging.

2. To act in advance before another person or people can do something: The government forestalled criticism by holding a public enquiry into the political dispute. © ALL rights are reserved.

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The act of preventing or prohibiting a disagreeable situation from taking place by using advance planning or actions: Harriet moved the ladder away from the edge of the balcony and her decision was the forestalling of a terrible accident.