Definitions

stave

[steyv] / steɪv /

VERB

prevent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate avert avoid counteract foil forestall halt hold off preclude put an end to rule out thwart ward off

STRONG

arrest baffle balk bar block check chill cool cork counter dam debar forbid forfend frustrate hamper hinder impede inhibit intercept interdict interrupt limit obstruct obviate prohibit repress restrain restrict retard stop ward

WEAK

defend against head off hold back keep lid on nip in the bud put a stop to shut out stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist forward help support

STRONG

abet advance allow approve continue encourage expedite facilitate free heat let go liberate open permit promote push release unblock warm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They wouldn’t get any closer, on account of USC’s star freshman, who personally staved off any serious threat of a Badger comeback.

From Los Angeles Times

The all-rounder has stood up and proved himself the man for a crisis, delivering match-winning late "death" overs against associate nations Nepal and Italy to stave off embarrassing defeats.

From Barron's

Crops needed to stave off starvation have been decimated.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although researchers didn’t identify steps you can take to stave off symptoms, there are some conditions that are associated with a good—or bad—response.

From The Wall Street Journal

Your book is full of practical strategies for staving off digital exhaustion.

From Los Angeles Times

stave

Example Sentences

Related Words