Definition of forestalled:
(v) :
(transitive) To prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.
(v) :
(transitive) To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible.
(v) :
To anticipate, to act foreseeingly.
(v) :
To deprive (with of).
(v) :
(UK, law) To obstruct or stop up, as a road; to stop the passage of a highway; to intercept on the road, as goods on the way to market.
(n) :
Something situated or placed in front.