Which word means 'to prevent; to make unnecessary'?

• A. Occlude
• B. Onerous
• C. Obviate
• D. Pedant

Answer: (C)

This item tests your understanding of a verb that means to prevent or make unnecessary. Obviate fits perfectly: to obviate something is to remove the need for it or to prevent it from being required. For example, a new safety feature can obviate the need for extra manual checks, because it makes them unnecessary.

Occlude means to block or obstruct, such as a seal or a vision path, not to remove the need for something. Onerous describes something burdensome or difficult, not an action that eliminates a requirement. Pedant refers to a person who overemphasizes rules or details, not to a verb about preventing.