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

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
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.
Alternatively, bananas could be eaten as an afternoon snack, as the fiber content can help stave off hunger until dinner. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025 The mention ignited memories of so many comfort foods my mother made for me and my three siblings to stave off hunger while supper was still a ways off. Robert Klose, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 The Detroit Pistons were able to stave off elimination in Game 5 against the New York Knicks, setting up a massive Game 6 at home. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 Earlier in the night, the Rockets staved off elimination by beating the Warriors 131-116. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stave off

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stave off was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

stave off

verb
: to force or keep away : fend off
stave off trouble

More from Merriam-Webster on stave off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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