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Showing results for stave. Search instead for sutavad.
Definitions

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.

American families are leaning in to the low-tech life for their kids, installing home phones to stave off smartphone use.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Tokyo imposed caps on fuel and electricity prices to stave off recession after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, even though Brent oil hung above $100 a barrel for more than four months, Thieliant says.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 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

Only occasionally, on cold nights when there was nothing but the flames to stave off his loneliness, did he think he heard them calling to him, but they whispered words he didn’t understand.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke