Definitions

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.

Australia will look to stave off energy shortages by forcing major gas companies to reserve 20 percent of their exports for domestic use, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Thursday.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The only way to prevent the disease is to stave off measles infection — and officials emphasize that the best way to do that is to get vaccinated against the disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

In his desire to leave "no stone unturned", last year Baker revealed he drinks bone broth to help stave off the stress fractures that dogged his teenage years.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Anthropic has been perhaps the most vocal company about the need to study and stave off potentially negative impacts of artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I lie on the black rubber cot and close my eyes, trying to stave off the nausea.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Vocabulary lists containing stave

This Week In Words: August 17–23, 2019

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Music - Middle School

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"The Tragedy of Macbeth," Vocabulary from Act 5

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