stave off

1 to drive back managed to stave off the invaders Synonyms beat off, fend (off), rebut, repulse, repel, turn away, turn backRelated Words defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurnNear Antonyms embrace, hail, welcome

2 to keep from happening by taking action in advance the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies Synonyms avert, forestall, head off, help, obviate, preclude, preventRelated Words anticipate, provide; negate, neutralize, nullify; save; baffle, balk, checkmate, deter, foil, frustrate, thwart; bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, interfere (with), retard, stall; deflect, fend (off), stop, ward (off); avoid, circumvent, dodge, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun; forbid, inhibit, prohibit; arrest, check, halt, stop; compensate (for), counteract, counterbalance, make up (for), offsetNear Antonyms abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth, unclog; advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote; allow, leave, let, permit