shelve

¹

[ shelv ]

verb (used with object)

, shelved, shelv·ing.

1. to place (something) on a shelf or shelves.
2. to put off or aside from consideration:

   to shelve the question.

   Synonyms: pigeonhole, table, defer

3. to remove from active use or service; dismiss.
4. to furnish with shelves.

shelve

²

[ shelv ]

verb (used without object)

, shelved, shelv·ing.

1. to slope gradually.

shelve

¹

/ ʃɛlv /

verb

1. to place on a shelf
2. to provide with shelves
3. to put aside or postpone from consideration
4. to dismiss or cause to retire

shelve

²

/ ʃɛlv /

verb

1. intr to slope away gradually; incline

Derived Forms

• ˈshelver, noun

Other Words From

• shelver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelve¹

First recorded in 1585–95; verb use of shelve(s)

Origin of shelve²

1580–90; origin uncertain; compare Frisian skelf not quite level

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelve¹

C16: from shelves, plural of shelf

Origin of shelve²

C16: origin uncertain

Example Sentences

It had been suggested DP World might shelve the plan after Transport Secretary Louise Haigh described P&O Ferries as a "rogue operator".

From BBC

The alarming situation prompted the city to shelve a long-term stabilization plan and pursue emergency efforts to slow the land movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Lawmakers agree to shelve the California Journalism Preservation Act, which aimed to revive the struggling news business by forcing Google to pay for news content it distributes.

From Los Angeles Times

California lawmakers intend to shelve legislation that would have required Google to pay news outlets for distributing their content, and in its place announced a new public-private partnership between the state and the tech giant that will fund programs to research artificial intelligence and bolster local journalism.

From Los Angeles Times

Switching gears, tell me about the decision to shelve “Semi-Homemade Cooking” and pull back from the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• freeze
• give up
• mothball
• prolong
• put off
• suspend
• waive