stave off

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

To stave off Huxley’s dystopia, we must deliberately shape our children’s souls so that they can be creators, doers and thinkers embracing the next frontier.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 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

The only way to prevent the disease is to stave off measles infection — and officials emphasize that the best way to do that is to get vaccinated against the disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Sometimes, when I have relapses of my old demon, I lie in the crook of his arm and he comforts me this way, talking to me all night long to stave off the bad dreams.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver