stave

[steyv] / steɪv /

VERB

prevent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate avert avoid counteract foil forestall halt hold off preclude put an end to rule out thwart ward off

STRONG

arrest baffle balk bar block check chill cool cork counter dam debar forbid forfend frustrate hamper hinder impede inhibit intercept interdict interrupt limit obstruct obviate prohibit repress restrain restrict retard stop ward

WEAK

defend against head off hold back keep lid on nip in the bud put a stop to shut out stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist forward help support

STRONG

abet advance allow approve continue encourage expedite facilitate free heat let go liberate open permit promote push release unblock warm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Early diagnosis of flu can help stave off the worst by giving those who are sick time to take antiviral medications like Tamiflu.

From Los Angeles Times

The class was filled with 80-year-old women pounding on a heavy bag, 75-year-old men dancing across the floor, elderly and trembling people working hard to stave off the effects of PD.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, this growing optimism failed to stave off more losses in the market on Friday.

From MarketWatch

Because even though the moment left his teammates jumping on the bench and gasping for air, it did nothing to stave off a Lakers loss.

From Los Angeles Times

Choreographer Mark Morris staved off the federal government’s arts wrecking ball by salvaging his latest work, “Moon,” a commission for the Kennedy Center’s Earth to Space festival in April.

From Los Angeles Times

stave

Example Sentences

Related Words