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
Just follow these simple steps to keep hackers at bay and your information safe.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Fill the hot water, add a small amount of dish soap, and a disinfecting spray to repel odors and maintain bacteria at bay.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Warren Buffett made this idea famous by comparing a company to a castle, with the moat keeping rivals at bay.
—Humphrey Ho, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Dewpoint temperatures, a measure of moisture in the air, are in monsoon territory, but a high pressure system is keeping rain at bay.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for at bay
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Fill the hot water, add a small amount of dish soap, and a disinfecting spray to repel odors and maintain bacteria at bay.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Warren Buffett made this idea famous by comparing a company to a castle, with the moat keeping rivals at bay.
—Humphrey Ho, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Dewpoint temperatures, a measure of moisture in the air, are in monsoon territory, but a high pressure system is keeping rain at bay.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 9 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.
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