ward off
phrasal verb
warded off; warding off; wards off
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
—often used figurativelyI tried different remedies to ward off a cold.
Examples of ward off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It is said to ward off evil spirits and invite good luck into the home.
—
George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
However, in addition to leading to a year of good luck and prosperity, some parts of Spain believed this ritual would ward off witches and evil in general, according to The Olive Press.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
But with more heavy rain expected in the coming days, and lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, those measures may not be enough to ward off suffering from the cold.
—Aryn Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
The movie — which includes many slips and falls at the family’s home as 8-year-old Kevin tries to ward off a pair of robbers — also signals a need for an umbrella insurance policy, in case the McCallisters are found liable for injuries or damages that occur.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward off 
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George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
However, in addition to leading to a year of good luck and prosperity, some parts of Spain believed this ritual would ward off witches and evil in general, according to The Olive Press.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
But with more heavy rain expected in the coming days, and lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, those measures may not be enough to ward off suffering from the cold.
—Aryn Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
The movie — which includes many slips and falls at the family’s home as 8-year-old Kevin tries to ward off a pair of robbers — also signals a need for an umbrella insurance policy, in case the McCallisters are found liable for injuries or damages that occur.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ward off
Dictionary Entries Near ward off
Cite this Entry
“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
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