warding

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.

Praised for warding off pests, so-called bodega cats are also a cultural fixture for New Yorkers, some of whom are now pushing to enshrine legal rights for the little store helpers.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

The subsidy-fueled gold rush emboldened unions to squeeze producers, warding off studios looking for inexpensive film locations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Social media–savvy psychologists and life coaches have created a cottage industry of warding off and healing from narcissists.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

Through that work, Leal said he and other scientists have never found a product more long-lasting and overall effective at warding off mosquitoes than DEET.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Leo saw Annabeth sprawled on the floor of a dark cavern, holding up her bronze knife as if warding off a monster.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan