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wards off

VERB

defend, guard

Synonyms

WEAK

avert avoid beat off block check deflect deter divert fend foil forestall frustrate halt hold off interrupt keep at arm's length keep at bay keep off obviate parry preclude prevent rebuff rebut repel repulse rule out stave off stop stymie thwart turn turn aside turn away

Antonyms

WEAK

lay bare make vulnerable open

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.

What is the secret of long-lived HSCs that wards off the effects of aging?

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

Cochineal bugs are known to produce carminic acid, which wards off predators in their native range and has been “farmed” by humans to make red food coloring for centuries.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 12, 2024

Indigenous people in South America have used kambo for centuries, believing it wards off bad luck and improves hunting skills.

From BBC • May 10, 2023

“We know church wards off isolation and builds up community, so we try to figure out ways to worship in person and online.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 16, 2022

The proprietor, like Robinson Crusoe on his island, wards off with pike and musket the proletaire washed overboard by the wave of civilization, and seeking to gain a foothold upon the rocks of property.

From What is Property? by Proudhon, P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph)