Mixing
Word meaning “reduce chances of occurrence�
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
In the aftermath of a significant problem I'm trying to express that the necessary steps have been taken to reduce the chances of it happening again. I can't guarantee it won't happen again, otherwise "prevent" would be perfect. The only other word I've been able to come up with is "mitigate" which incorrectly conveys that the effect of the next disaster will be diminished, not that it's less likely to happen at all.
"We've taken measures to ______ another disaster."
I'd prefer a single word, but a phrase is okay as long as it sounds less awkward than "We've taken measures to reduce the chances of another disaster occurring."
single-word-requests
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
In the aftermath of a significant problem I'm trying to express that the necessary steps have been taken to reduce the chances of it happening again. I can't guarantee it won't happen again, otherwise "prevent" would be perfect. The only other word I've been able to come up with is "mitigate" which incorrectly conveys that the effect of the next disaster will be diminished, not that it's less likely to happen at all.
"We've taken measures to ______ another disaster."
I'd prefer a single word, but a phrase is okay as long as it sounds less awkward than "We've taken measures to reduce the chances of another disaster occurring."
single-word-requests
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
2
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
In the aftermath of a significant problem I'm trying to express that the necessary steps have been taken to reduce the chances of it happening again. I can't guarantee it won't happen again, otherwise "prevent" would be perfect. The only other word I've been able to come up with is "mitigate" which incorrectly conveys that the effect of the next disaster will be diminished, not that it's less likely to happen at all.
"We've taken measures to ______ another disaster."
I'd prefer a single word, but a phrase is okay as long as it sounds less awkward than "We've taken measures to reduce the chances of another disaster occurring."
single-word-requests
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
In the aftermath of a significant problem I'm trying to express that the necessary steps have been taken to reduce the chances of it happening again. I can't guarantee it won't happen again, otherwise "prevent" would be perfect. The only other word I've been able to come up with is "mitigate" which incorrectly conveys that the effect of the next disaster will be diminished, not that it's less likely to happen at all.
"We've taken measures to ______ another disaster."
I'd prefer a single word, but a phrase is okay as long as it sounds less awkward than "We've taken measures to reduce the chances of another disaster occurring."
single-word-requests
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
asked Aug 31 at 15:27
Altay_H
5314
5314
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
2
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
2
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
2
2
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
The first word that came to mind for me was mitigate. As you have ruled that word out, I'd like to offer up avert for your consideration.
We've taken measures to avert further disasters.
Merriam Webster defines avert as:
avert - transitive verb-
1 : to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
"I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes … —John
Gregory Dunne"
2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid
"avert disaster"
Some synonyms for avert: avoid, fend off, forestall, prevent
Consider also: safeguard which can be either a noun or a verb.
We've taken measures to safeguard against another disaster.
or
We have implemented safeguards.
Merriam Webster defines safeguard as follows:
safeguard - noun -
1 a : pass, safe-conduct
b : convoy, escort
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguard - transitive verb -
1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : protect
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert
[2] https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/avert
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
obviate TFD
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
As in:
"We've taken measures to obviate another disaster."
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
"Minimize the risk of" might be a good collocation.
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The more I think about it, "prevent" may actually be the word you want. You may feel that to prevent something means to make certain it does not happen, but that is almost never truly possible. And, if "prevent" really did mean that, then people could never talk about preventing cancer.
Of course, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is no surefire preventative, you might want to be more explicit. Then my best suggestion would be something like Reza's answer, or perhaps "reduce the likelihood of."
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
"Militate against", not to be confused with 'mitigate against', is the five-dollar expression to use here. Unfortunately most readers these days are liable to take it as a typo and think you mean "mitigate", but it is a lovely phrase depending on your audience -- and hits the intended meaning exactly.
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The obvious plain language choice is "avoid" but "avert" is also fine although they have different shades of meaning (for the "avoid" think "detour around" implying no disaster in this case, while for "avert" think "turn aside" implying a last second action).
I would not use "obviate" (would be thinking of being able to forget about the possibility or the need to prepare - usually used with "need") or "mitigate" (think minimize the consequences) in this context because they don't quite fit.
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
If circumstances that are conducive to or perquisite to a disaster are present (or ever present), then stave off is idiomatic.
Water rationing is used to stave off a water disaster during a drought. Here, the condition is temporary and the staving off strategy is also temporary. This is the most common usage, particularly in the press, where staving off is used frequently in association with the threat of political disasters. The idea is mostly to avert the disaster until the threat dissipates. It often emphasizes tactical, rather than strategic responses.
Another usage applies to delaying, slowing down, or lowering the probability of something that is more or less inevitable. Merriam Webster lists forestalling as a synonym. The following is a news article title from Harvard's School of Public Health. After disaster, social ties may help elderly stave off cognitive decline. The article concludes "the findings suggest that interventions to promote civic participation could help promote cognitive resilience among older disaster survivors, the authors said." So this is about strategic planning and programming to mitigate future disasters.
Stave off is also used when there is an ever present threat of disaster. I found several examples of staving off used with terror attacks. These involve permanent strategic adjustments to operations. Almost all dictionaries recognize this usage, and vary in how they communicate the idea that it more common to use it to refer to a temporary or expedient measure to deal with the particular matter at hand than for strategic measures.
Stave off
1 : to fend off staving off creditors
2 : to ward off (something adverse) : forestall trying to stave off disaster
"Stave off." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2018.
2 stave something off
Avert or delay something bad or dangerous. ‘a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack’
"Stave." en.oxforddictionaries.com, Oxford Living Dictionary online
Longman's Business Dictionary is the only one I found that effectively restricts stave off to matters of limited duration.
From Longman Business Dictionary
stave something → off phrasal verb [transitive]
to prevent something bad from happening or affecting you for a short period of time
The company is restructuring in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.
"Stave off." www.ldoceonline.com, Longman.
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
add a comment |Â
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
The first word that came to mind for me was mitigate. As you have ruled that word out, I'd like to offer up avert for your consideration.
We've taken measures to avert further disasters.
Merriam Webster defines avert as:
avert - transitive verb-
1 : to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
"I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes … —John
Gregory Dunne"
2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid
"avert disaster"
Some synonyms for avert: avoid, fend off, forestall, prevent
Consider also: safeguard which can be either a noun or a verb.
We've taken measures to safeguard against another disaster.
or
We have implemented safeguards.
Merriam Webster defines safeguard as follows:
safeguard - noun -
1 a : pass, safe-conduct
b : convoy, escort
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguard - transitive verb -
1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : protect
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert
[2] https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/avert
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
The first word that came to mind for me was mitigate. As you have ruled that word out, I'd like to offer up avert for your consideration.
We've taken measures to avert further disasters.
Merriam Webster defines avert as:
avert - transitive verb-
1 : to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
"I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes … —John
Gregory Dunne"
2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid
"avert disaster"
Some synonyms for avert: avoid, fend off, forestall, prevent
Consider also: safeguard which can be either a noun or a verb.
We've taken measures to safeguard against another disaster.
or
We have implemented safeguards.
Merriam Webster defines safeguard as follows:
safeguard - noun -
1 a : pass, safe-conduct
b : convoy, escort
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguard - transitive verb -
1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : protect
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert
[2] https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/avert
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
up vote
13
down vote
The first word that came to mind for me was mitigate. As you have ruled that word out, I'd like to offer up avert for your consideration.
We've taken measures to avert further disasters.
Merriam Webster defines avert as:
avert - transitive verb-
1 : to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
"I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes … —John
Gregory Dunne"
2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid
"avert disaster"
Some synonyms for avert: avoid, fend off, forestall, prevent
Consider also: safeguard which can be either a noun or a verb.
We've taken measures to safeguard against another disaster.
or
We have implemented safeguards.
Merriam Webster defines safeguard as follows:
safeguard - noun -
1 a : pass, safe-conduct
b : convoy, escort
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguard - transitive verb -
1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : protect
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert
[2] https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/avert
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
The first word that came to mind for me was mitigate. As you have ruled that word out, I'd like to offer up avert for your consideration.
We've taken measures to avert further disasters.
Merriam Webster defines avert as:
avert - transitive verb-
1 : to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
"I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes … —John
Gregory Dunne"
2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid
"avert disaster"
Some synonyms for avert: avoid, fend off, forestall, prevent
Consider also: safeguard which can be either a noun or a verb.
We've taken measures to safeguard against another disaster.
or
We have implemented safeguards.
Merriam Webster defines safeguard as follows:
safeguard - noun -
1 a : pass, safe-conduct
b : convoy, escort
2 a : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguard - transitive verb -
1 : to provide a safeguard for
2 : to make safe : protect
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert
[2] https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/avert
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
edited Aug 31 at 15:52
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
answered Aug 31 at 15:36
Lumberjack
4,2771032
4,2771032
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
add a comment |Â
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
1
1
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
awesome word choice +1
– ubi hatt
Aug 31 at 16:15
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
obviate TFD
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
As in:
"We've taken measures to obviate another disaster."
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
obviate TFD
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
As in:
"We've taken measures to obviate another disaster."
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
obviate TFD
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
As in:
"We've taken measures to obviate another disaster."
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
obviate TFD
(tr) to avoid or prevent (a need or difficulty)
As in:
"We've taken measures to obviate another disaster."
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
answered Aug 31 at 19:29
lbf
12.6k21353
12.6k21353
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
"Minimize the risk of" might be a good collocation.
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
"Minimize the risk of" might be a good collocation.
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
"Minimize the risk of" might be a good collocation.
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
"Minimize the risk of" might be a good collocation.
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
edited Aug 31 at 17:40
jimm101
5,25561736
5,25561736
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
answered Aug 31 at 15:51
reza mortezapour
484
484
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
add a comment |Â
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
3
3
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
Hi @RezaMortezapour. Welcome to ELU. I notice that you are a new contributor, and it looks like someone (not me) has downvoted your answer. Unfortunately they didn't leave a comment to explain, but I think I can help fill in their omission. Could you possibly expand on your answer a little bit? If you were to include a citation with a source and or an example sentence it would help to improve the quality of your answer. People tend to frown upon single line answers, and prefer an answer that gives some explanation and context.
– Lumberjack
Aug 31 at 19:25
1
1
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
minimize (UK USUALLY minimise) /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ verb [T] ↑Verb Endings for minimize 1 C1 to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: » We must minimize the risk of infection. » Environmentalists are doing everything within their power to minimize the impact of the oil spill.
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:26
1
1
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
Cambridge adv learners
– reza mortezapour
Sep 1 at 19:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The more I think about it, "prevent" may actually be the word you want. You may feel that to prevent something means to make certain it does not happen, but that is almost never truly possible. And, if "prevent" really did mean that, then people could never talk about preventing cancer.
Of course, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is no surefire preventative, you might want to be more explicit. Then my best suggestion would be something like Reza's answer, or perhaps "reduce the likelihood of."
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The more I think about it, "prevent" may actually be the word you want. You may feel that to prevent something means to make certain it does not happen, but that is almost never truly possible. And, if "prevent" really did mean that, then people could never talk about preventing cancer.
Of course, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is no surefire preventative, you might want to be more explicit. Then my best suggestion would be something like Reza's answer, or perhaps "reduce the likelihood of."
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
The more I think about it, "prevent" may actually be the word you want. You may feel that to prevent something means to make certain it does not happen, but that is almost never truly possible. And, if "prevent" really did mean that, then people could never talk about preventing cancer.
Of course, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is no surefire preventative, you might want to be more explicit. Then my best suggestion would be something like Reza's answer, or perhaps "reduce the likelihood of."
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
The more I think about it, "prevent" may actually be the word you want. You may feel that to prevent something means to make certain it does not happen, but that is almost never truly possible. And, if "prevent" really did mean that, then people could never talk about preventing cancer.
Of course, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is no surefire preventative, you might want to be more explicit. Then my best suggestion would be something like Reza's answer, or perhaps "reduce the likelihood of."
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
answered Sep 1 at 3:47
Mark Foskey
37412
37412
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
add a comment |Â
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
I agree. You're not saying "we've prevented another disaster," so you don't have to guarantee that it won't happen again. You're saying, "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster," so you need only guarantee that you've taken measures. You're not asserting that you've prevented anything. In other words, "take measures to prevent" is a phrase meaning "reduce chances of occurrence."
– Nathan
Sep 1 at 5:26
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
"Militate against", not to be confused with 'mitigate against', is the five-dollar expression to use here. Unfortunately most readers these days are liable to take it as a typo and think you mean "mitigate", but it is a lovely phrase depending on your audience -- and hits the intended meaning exactly.
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
"Militate against", not to be confused with 'mitigate against', is the five-dollar expression to use here. Unfortunately most readers these days are liable to take it as a typo and think you mean "mitigate", but it is a lovely phrase depending on your audience -- and hits the intended meaning exactly.
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
"Militate against", not to be confused with 'mitigate against', is the five-dollar expression to use here. Unfortunately most readers these days are liable to take it as a typo and think you mean "mitigate", but it is a lovely phrase depending on your audience -- and hits the intended meaning exactly.
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
"Militate against", not to be confused with 'mitigate against', is the five-dollar expression to use here. Unfortunately most readers these days are liable to take it as a typo and think you mean "mitigate", but it is a lovely phrase depending on your audience -- and hits the intended meaning exactly.
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
answered Sep 1 at 8:09
jkf
62427
62427
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The obvious plain language choice is "avoid" but "avert" is also fine although they have different shades of meaning (for the "avoid" think "detour around" implying no disaster in this case, while for "avert" think "turn aside" implying a last second action).
I would not use "obviate" (would be thinking of being able to forget about the possibility or the need to prepare - usually used with "need") or "mitigate" (think minimize the consequences) in this context because they don't quite fit.
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The obvious plain language choice is "avoid" but "avert" is also fine although they have different shades of meaning (for the "avoid" think "detour around" implying no disaster in this case, while for "avert" think "turn aside" implying a last second action).
I would not use "obviate" (would be thinking of being able to forget about the possibility or the need to prepare - usually used with "need") or "mitigate" (think minimize the consequences) in this context because they don't quite fit.
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The obvious plain language choice is "avoid" but "avert" is also fine although they have different shades of meaning (for the "avoid" think "detour around" implying no disaster in this case, while for "avert" think "turn aside" implying a last second action).
I would not use "obviate" (would be thinking of being able to forget about the possibility or the need to prepare - usually used with "need") or "mitigate" (think minimize the consequences) in this context because they don't quite fit.
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
The obvious plain language choice is "avoid" but "avert" is also fine although they have different shades of meaning (for the "avoid" think "detour around" implying no disaster in this case, while for "avert" think "turn aside" implying a last second action).
I would not use "obviate" (would be thinking of being able to forget about the possibility or the need to prepare - usually used with "need") or "mitigate" (think minimize the consequences) in this context because they don't quite fit.
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
answered Sep 1 at 8:57
David M W Powers
1,194712
1,194712
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
If circumstances that are conducive to or perquisite to a disaster are present (or ever present), then stave off is idiomatic.
Water rationing is used to stave off a water disaster during a drought. Here, the condition is temporary and the staving off strategy is also temporary. This is the most common usage, particularly in the press, where staving off is used frequently in association with the threat of political disasters. The idea is mostly to avert the disaster until the threat dissipates. It often emphasizes tactical, rather than strategic responses.
Another usage applies to delaying, slowing down, or lowering the probability of something that is more or less inevitable. Merriam Webster lists forestalling as a synonym. The following is a news article title from Harvard's School of Public Health. After disaster, social ties may help elderly stave off cognitive decline. The article concludes "the findings suggest that interventions to promote civic participation could help promote cognitive resilience among older disaster survivors, the authors said." So this is about strategic planning and programming to mitigate future disasters.
Stave off is also used when there is an ever present threat of disaster. I found several examples of staving off used with terror attacks. These involve permanent strategic adjustments to operations. Almost all dictionaries recognize this usage, and vary in how they communicate the idea that it more common to use it to refer to a temporary or expedient measure to deal with the particular matter at hand than for strategic measures.
Stave off
1 : to fend off staving off creditors
2 : to ward off (something adverse) : forestall trying to stave off disaster
"Stave off." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2018.
2 stave something off
Avert or delay something bad or dangerous. ‘a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack’
"Stave." en.oxforddictionaries.com, Oxford Living Dictionary online
Longman's Business Dictionary is the only one I found that effectively restricts stave off to matters of limited duration.
From Longman Business Dictionary
stave something → off phrasal verb [transitive]
to prevent something bad from happening or affecting you for a short period of time
The company is restructuring in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.
"Stave off." www.ldoceonline.com, Longman.
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
If circumstances that are conducive to or perquisite to a disaster are present (or ever present), then stave off is idiomatic.
Water rationing is used to stave off a water disaster during a drought. Here, the condition is temporary and the staving off strategy is also temporary. This is the most common usage, particularly in the press, where staving off is used frequently in association with the threat of political disasters. The idea is mostly to avert the disaster until the threat dissipates. It often emphasizes tactical, rather than strategic responses.
Another usage applies to delaying, slowing down, or lowering the probability of something that is more or less inevitable. Merriam Webster lists forestalling as a synonym. The following is a news article title from Harvard's School of Public Health. After disaster, social ties may help elderly stave off cognitive decline. The article concludes "the findings suggest that interventions to promote civic participation could help promote cognitive resilience among older disaster survivors, the authors said." So this is about strategic planning and programming to mitigate future disasters.
Stave off is also used when there is an ever present threat of disaster. I found several examples of staving off used with terror attacks. These involve permanent strategic adjustments to operations. Almost all dictionaries recognize this usage, and vary in how they communicate the idea that it more common to use it to refer to a temporary or expedient measure to deal with the particular matter at hand than for strategic measures.
Stave off
1 : to fend off staving off creditors
2 : to ward off (something adverse) : forestall trying to stave off disaster
"Stave off." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2018.
2 stave something off
Avert or delay something bad or dangerous. ‘a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack’
"Stave." en.oxforddictionaries.com, Oxford Living Dictionary online
Longman's Business Dictionary is the only one I found that effectively restricts stave off to matters of limited duration.
From Longman Business Dictionary
stave something → off phrasal verb [transitive]
to prevent something bad from happening or affecting you for a short period of time
The company is restructuring in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.
"Stave off." www.ldoceonline.com, Longman.
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
If circumstances that are conducive to or perquisite to a disaster are present (or ever present), then stave off is idiomatic.
Water rationing is used to stave off a water disaster during a drought. Here, the condition is temporary and the staving off strategy is also temporary. This is the most common usage, particularly in the press, where staving off is used frequently in association with the threat of political disasters. The idea is mostly to avert the disaster until the threat dissipates. It often emphasizes tactical, rather than strategic responses.
Another usage applies to delaying, slowing down, or lowering the probability of something that is more or less inevitable. Merriam Webster lists forestalling as a synonym. The following is a news article title from Harvard's School of Public Health. After disaster, social ties may help elderly stave off cognitive decline. The article concludes "the findings suggest that interventions to promote civic participation could help promote cognitive resilience among older disaster survivors, the authors said." So this is about strategic planning and programming to mitigate future disasters.
Stave off is also used when there is an ever present threat of disaster. I found several examples of staving off used with terror attacks. These involve permanent strategic adjustments to operations. Almost all dictionaries recognize this usage, and vary in how they communicate the idea that it more common to use it to refer to a temporary or expedient measure to deal with the particular matter at hand than for strategic measures.
Stave off
1 : to fend off staving off creditors
2 : to ward off (something adverse) : forestall trying to stave off disaster
"Stave off." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2018.
2 stave something off
Avert or delay something bad or dangerous. ‘a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack’
"Stave." en.oxforddictionaries.com, Oxford Living Dictionary online
Longman's Business Dictionary is the only one I found that effectively restricts stave off to matters of limited duration.
From Longman Business Dictionary
stave something → off phrasal verb [transitive]
to prevent something bad from happening or affecting you for a short period of time
The company is restructuring in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.
"Stave off." www.ldoceonline.com, Longman.
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
If circumstances that are conducive to or perquisite to a disaster are present (or ever present), then stave off is idiomatic.
Water rationing is used to stave off a water disaster during a drought. Here, the condition is temporary and the staving off strategy is also temporary. This is the most common usage, particularly in the press, where staving off is used frequently in association with the threat of political disasters. The idea is mostly to avert the disaster until the threat dissipates. It often emphasizes tactical, rather than strategic responses.
Another usage applies to delaying, slowing down, or lowering the probability of something that is more or less inevitable. Merriam Webster lists forestalling as a synonym. The following is a news article title from Harvard's School of Public Health. After disaster, social ties may help elderly stave off cognitive decline. The article concludes "the findings suggest that interventions to promote civic participation could help promote cognitive resilience among older disaster survivors, the authors said." So this is about strategic planning and programming to mitigate future disasters.
Stave off is also used when there is an ever present threat of disaster. I found several examples of staving off used with terror attacks. These involve permanent strategic adjustments to operations. Almost all dictionaries recognize this usage, and vary in how they communicate the idea that it more common to use it to refer to a temporary or expedient measure to deal with the particular matter at hand than for strategic measures.
Stave off
1 : to fend off staving off creditors
2 : to ward off (something adverse) : forestall trying to stave off disaster
"Stave off." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2018.
2 stave something off
Avert or delay something bad or dangerous. ‘a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack’
"Stave." en.oxforddictionaries.com, Oxford Living Dictionary online
Longman's Business Dictionary is the only one I found that effectively restricts stave off to matters of limited duration.
From Longman Business Dictionary
stave something → off phrasal verb [transitive]
to prevent something bad from happening or affecting you for a short period of time
The company is restructuring in an attempt to stave off bankruptcy.
"Stave off." www.ldoceonline.com, Longman.
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
edited Sep 1 at 14:41
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
answered Sep 1 at 14:31
Phil Sweet
9,32521945
9,32521945
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fenglish.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f462543%2fword-meaning-reduce-chances-of-occurrence%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
My first thought was "mitigate", then I read your question properly. What about "diminish the risk of" or perhaps "curtail"?
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:31
@bookmanu That's certainly better than what I've been able to come up with.
– Altay_H
Aug 31 at 15:35
also "attenuate" or "minimize"
– bookmanu
Aug 31 at 15:35
2
Prevent is okay here: "We've taken measures to prevent another disaster."
– Ahmed
Aug 31 at 15:56
What is awkward about "reduce the chances of another disaster occurring"? It conveys the meaning in a precise, understandable way.
– DJClayworth
Aug 31 at 16:07