(PREVENT) [verb] [T] [slightly formal] - to prevent (something) from being believed or being doneThe announcement will scotch the rumours of a takeover that have plagued the company for the past 18 months.He was keen to scotch suggestions that he would be unable to play in the rugby match on Saturday.Her remarks were clearly intended to scotch speculation about a possible change in party leadership.The rain scotched our plans for a picnic.
SCOTCH
Meaning of SCOTCH in English
Cambridge English vocab. Кембриджский английский словарь. 2012