at bay

phrase

: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone

—used with keep or hold

The soldiers kept the attackers at bay.

—often used figuratively

The doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.

Examples of at bay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These help keep microscopic organisms at bay and may contribute to odor control. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Nothing included four sets of eartips in different sizes, and both the eartips and drivers have grilles to keep debris and earwax at bay. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Lahey kept authorities at bay for hours before being taken into custody later that evening. — Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Thanks to major leaps in the tech, these tools can now generate photorealistic fake footage at the drop of a hat — which could have devastating implications for efforts to keep disinformation at bay. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for at bay

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway