warded 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.

But her supporters argue that only a street fighter like her could have ended Communist rule in the state and, until this week, warded off a determined BJP attempt to oust her party from power.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Their agreement to testify warded off potential contempt-of-Congress proceedings against them.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

The drug, called lolamicin, also warded off secondary infections with Clostridioides difficile, a common and dangerous hospital-associated bacterial infection, and was effective against more than 130 multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in cell culture.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2024

The U.S. has mostly warded off the Houthi attacks, but on one occasion recently, the Houthis shot down a U.S.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2023

Dr. Tilson warded off a flurry of “How is she? Is she all right? What caused it? Can I go up?”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck