stave off

verb

staved off; staving off; staves off
Synonyms of stave offnext

transitive verb

1
: to fend off
staving off creditors
2
: to ward off (something adverse) : forestall
trying to stave off disaster

Synonyms of stave off

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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.
De La Cruz is attempting to stave off a potent challenge in the neighboring 15th District from Tejano music star Bobby Pulido, who is barnstorming the district one quinceañera at a time. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 But their local expertise, connections, courage, and instincts could stave off death or captivity. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Padres won Game 3 and staved off elimination in his absence. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 But in August, Mangione confessed to the killing and pleaded guilty to two stalking charges, staving off the federal trial. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for stave off

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Browse Nearby Words

stave oak
stave off
stave pipe
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Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stave off

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