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.
Recent market optimism stems from hopes that rate cuts can stave off recession fears, even while the U.S. economy faces pressures from higher interest rates and a potential slowdown. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The big picture: Republicans are looking to stave off multiple rounds of speaker votes and motions to vacate. Juliegrace Brufke, Axios, 3 Nov. 2024 To stave off the bleeding, Disney is bringing on Morgan Stanley executive chairman James Gorman as chairman of the board, effective January 2025. Michael Del Castillo, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 An agreement staved off that threat, but Italy’s DST ambitions could bring that issue back to the fore. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stave off

Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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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