ward off
phrasal verb
warded off; warding off; wards off
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
—often used figurativelyI tried different remedies to ward off a cold.
Examples of ward off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet, using sunscreens is one of the best ways to ward off the leading cause of preventable skin cancer.
—
New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Well-hydrated plants are better able to ward off cold damage, so water your camellias thoroughly before the storm.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026
To counteract the misfortune, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ward off
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.
New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Well-hydrated plants are better able to ward off cold damage, so water your camellias thoroughly before the storm.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026
To counteract the misfortune, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ward off
Cite this Entry
“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
