stave off

verb

staved off; staving off; staves off
Synonyms of stave offnext

transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It's made with a contoured footbed to provide better arch support, a deep heel cup for more stability, and shock-absorbing cushioning to stave off foot fatigue. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2025 In fact, Flow Space predicted that brain optimization to stave off cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease will become a core tenet of women’s health in their 40s and 50s. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025 To stave off school closures, the district is leasing its land and partnering with community groups and businesses to address budget shortfalls. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 22 Dec. 2025 In 2021, legislation passed by the Biden administration to stave off the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the subsidy that people could receive. Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stave off

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stave off was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

stave off

verb
: to force or keep away : fend off
stave off trouble

More from Merriam-Webster on stave off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!