Avert, avoid (7)
I believe the answer is:
obviate
I believe this is a double definition.
'avert' is the first definition.
(I know that avert can be written as obviate)
'avoid' is the second definition.
(I know that avoid can be written as obviate)
(Other definitions for obviate that I've seen before include "Counter" , "Render unnecessary" , "Anticipate" , "Get round inconvenience - get above it" , "Preclude" .)