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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Starmer could also try to stave this off by reshuffling his cabinet—for instance, appointing a new more left-wing chancellor, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 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

Sheinbaum, meanwhile, has steadily increased security cooperation with the U.S., in an effort to assuage Trump and stave off unilateral U.S. action inside Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

He spotted a barrel stave and pounced upon it.

From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman

stave

Example Sentences

Related Words