at bay
idiom
: 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 figurativelyThe 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
Laughter keeps the fear of loneliness at bay and acts as a protector against anxiety and depression.
—
Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025
Just like any other appliance, your dishwasher needs regular maintenance to keep doing its job well while also keeping odors, clogs, and costly repairs at bay.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
The right product keeps them at bay, but when a formula isn’t a match, my skin gives me a very clear (very textured) warning.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 13 Nov. 2025
The best-selling seat’s backrest is designed for lumbar support to keep back pain at bay.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025
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Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025
Just like any other appliance, your dishwasher needs regular maintenance to keep doing its job well while also keeping odors, clogs, and costly repairs at bay.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2025
The right product keeps them at bay, but when a formula isn’t a match, my skin gives me a very clear (very textured) warning.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 13 Nov. 2025
The best-selling seat’s backrest is designed for lumbar support to keep back pain at bay.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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