wards 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.

See Examples For:

wards off

What is the secret of long-lived HSCs that wards off the effects of aging?

From Science Daily ● Apr. 30, 2024

Indigenous people in South America have used kambo for centuries, believing it wards off bad luck and improves hunting skills.

From BBC ● May 10, 2023

It’s not yet clear, however, exactly how the Amazonian variant wards off the protozoan invader.

From Science Magazine ● Mar. 7, 2023

“Lion dancing is a huge part of my culture,” said Johnny Nguyen, after a break from practicing this athletic art form, which brings good luck and wards off evil spirits.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 20, 2023

Self-government, founded on self-knowledge, wards off the pangs of disappointment by limiting ambition to the attainable.

From The Religious Sentiment Its Source and Aim: A Contribution to the Science and Philosophy of Religion by Brinton, Daniel Garrison