stave off
verb
staved off; staving off; staves off
1
: to fend off
staving off creditors
2
: to ward off (something adverse) : forestall
trying to stave off disaster
Examples of stave off in a Sentence
managed to stave off the invaders
the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies
Recent Examples on the Web
So this bill could help stave off a potential flood of suits.
—
Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
There is no vaccine for humans to stave off a West Nile virus infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but most people who are infected do not experience symptoms.
—Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025
Homes, bars, and dance halls pulsed with sound in a discordant, desperate attempt to stave off death.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 4 June 2025
The Valkyries led by as much as 20 points in the third quarter and staved off a fierce comeback from the Sparks in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
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Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
There is no vaccine for humans to stave off a West Nile virus infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but most people who are infected do not experience symptoms.
—Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2025
Homes, bars, and dance halls pulsed with sound in a discordant, desperate attempt to stave off death.
—Christina Coulter, People.com, 4 June 2025
The Valkyries led by as much as 20 points in the third quarter and staved off a fierce comeback from the Sparks in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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