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
But what about your brain—can eating specific foods ward off conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia?
—
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 10 July 2024
Rather than kill mosquitoes, bug sprays that contain DEET ward off mosquitoes by masking your natural scent, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 July 2024
Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers capped off their first Stanley Cup victory on Monday, June 24 by warding off the Edmonton Oilers 2-1.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024
More:Mexican cartels use 'witches' in US to detect snitches and ward off police
With candles flickering near the statute, Mendoza offered up grapes, liquor and other sacrifices.
—Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward off 
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 10 July 2024
Rather than kill mosquitoes, bug sprays that contain DEET ward off mosquitoes by masking your natural scent, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 July 2024
Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers capped off their first Stanley Cup victory on Monday, June 24 by warding off the Edmonton Oilers 2-1.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024
More:Mexican cartels use 'witches' in US to detect snitches and ward off police
With candles flickering near the statute, Mendoza offered up grapes, liquor and other sacrifices.
—Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward off
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ward off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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