shelve

shelve

verb \ˈshelv\

shelvedshelv·ing

Definition of SHELVE

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with shelves

2

: to place on a shelf <shelve books>

3

a : to remove from active service

b : to put off or aside <shelve a project>

intransitive verb

: to slope in a formation like a shelf

— shelv·er noun

Examples of SHELVE

1. The books were shelved according to category.
2. <let's shelve the project for now>

Origin of SHELVE

shelf

First Known Use: 1598

Related to SHELVE

Synonyms

defer, delay, hold off (on), hold over, hold up, lay over, put off, put over, remit, postpone

Related Words

suspend; hesitate, pause, stay; detain, retard, slow; extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch (out); wait

Near Antonyms

act, deal (with), decide (upon), do, work (on)

Rhymes with SHELVE

delve, helve, twelve