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.

To stave off potential shortages of critical goods, the federal government can build up stockpiles and reshore critical manufacturing, including through public factories.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Or had he resorted to Botox in his quest to stave off signs of decline and old age?

From BBC • May 30, 2026

As a backlash against AI builds in the U.S. and elsewhere, China is acting to stave off social and economic disruption.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

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

Nigro realized that Bobby was trying to stave off what he feared would be an inevitable loss.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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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