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Showing results for stave. Search instead for stavi.
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.

De Zerbi has seven games left to turn things around and stave off relegation.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The enemy will likely take his words seriously and prepare to stave off his threats.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Wall Street on Tuesday tapped the brakes on expectations for a quick deal to stave off an oil shock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The all-rounder has stood up and proved himself the man for a crisis, delivering match-winning late "death" overs against associate nations Nepal and Italy to stave off embarrassing defeats.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

With hundreds of millions of bacteria, it only takes one survivor to stave off extinction.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.