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
Keeping the heat at bay was clearly the priority with this ensemble, but that doesn't mean EmRata skimped on accessories.
—
Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 17 July 2024
Brevity helps keep any negative skin effects at bay.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 July 2024
This model is currently 17% off (plus an additional 10% off with an Amazon coupon, bringing the price to 261!) and will help keep allergens and air pollutants at bay.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2024
This too helps to control spending while keeping clutter at bay.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for at bay 
Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 17 July 2024
Brevity helps keep any negative skin effects at bay.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 July 2024
This model is currently 17% off (plus an additional 10% off with an Amazon coupon, bringing the price to 261!) and will help keep allergens and air pollutants at bay.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2024
This too helps to control spending while keeping clutter at bay.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for at bay
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'at bay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near at bay
Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share