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

Synonyms

• beat off
• fend (off)
• rebut
• repel
• repulse
• turn away
• turn back

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stave off

verb

: to force or keep away : fend off

stave off trouble