1. 消除；排除；使成为不必要
To obviate something such as a problem or a need means to remove it or make it unnecessary.

1. prevent the occurrence of
prevent from happening

e.g. Let's avoid a confrontation
head off a confrontation
avert a strike

Synonym: debarforefendforfenddeflectaverthead offstave offfend offavoidward off

2. do away with

Synonym: rid ofeliminate