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
The family installed the steel fence after that, hoping to ward off similar accidents in the future.
—
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
The cross, a symbol that wards off evil, is mirrored in Tolkien’s use of the mallorn, described as a cross-shaped tree, as a place of refuge and protection.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
For people who have a high genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet could be a powerful way to ward off dementia.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Sep. 2025
OpenAI may be hoping that the combination of ChatGPT parental controls and the other safety measures will be enough to ward off investigations into the safety of its AI chatbot.
—Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
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.
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
The cross, a symbol that wards off evil, is mirrored in Tolkien’s use of the mallorn, described as a cross-shaped tree, as a place of refuge and protection.
—Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
For people who have a high genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet could be a powerful way to ward off dementia.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Sep. 2025
OpenAI may be hoping that the combination of ChatGPT parental controls and the other safety measures will be enough to ward off investigations into the safety of its AI chatbot.
—Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
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 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share