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

After Gaetz resigned from Congress last week, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., urged the panel to shelve the report.

From Salon

In October, the Scottish government shelved proposals for the automatic early release of long-term prisoners due to concerns from victims of crime.

From BBC

The upper limit for claims in England hasn't been raised since 2008 and a pledge to increase it, made in 2021, was shelved by the last government.

From BBC

Margaret has said that she almost shelved that book a couple of times because she just thought it was too improbable and was a premise that that we wouldn’t buy.

From Los Angeles Times

In September 2021 the teachers union shelved a resolution that would have condemned Israel and supported Palestinians.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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