stave off

verb

staved off; staving off; staves off

transitive verb

1

: to fend off

staving off creditors

2

: to ward off (something adverse) : forestall

trying to stave off disaster

Synonyms

• beat off
• fend (off)
• rebut
• repel
• repulse
• turn away
• turn back

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

In such a situation, with overall U.S. deterrence weakened, China could exploit the moment to launch a conventional attack against its neighbors, or even be emboldened to use nuclear weapons to stave off the United States. —Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Because of the dangers of unhindered possibility, the expansion of choice came with guardrails, rules meant to stave off anarchy and social disorder. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025

Popular Stories Wood tosses 3rd no-hitter in College World Series history, helps Hogs stave off elimination Calling all Hogs fans: Share your College World Series photos! —Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2025

But the Oilers are no stranger to staving off elimination. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stave off

• cerenkov
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff

Kids Definition

stave off

verb

: to force or keep away : fend off

stave off trouble