stave off

verb

1. tr, adverb to avert or hold off (something undesirable or harmful), esp temporarily

   to stave off hunger

Idioms and Phrases

Keep or hold away, repel, as in The Federal Reserve Board is determined to stave off inflation . This metaphoric expression transfers beating something off with a staff or stave to nonphysical repulsion. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Analysts said the step might give Ukraine more ability to stave off Russian attacks on its cities, but pointed out that Moscow has already moved some aircraft and missile installations out of reach.

From Los Angeles Times

Climate scientists say developing countries need billions of dollars of extra investment to become net zero, where they are not contributing to climate change, and stave off the effects of rising temperatures.

From BBC

The Dobbs decision is also widely credited with helping to stave off a “red wave” of victories in the 2022 midterm elections for Congress.

From Los Angeles Times

But when her daughter got sick, Fails expected that doctors had an obligation to do everything in their power to stave off a potentially deadly emergency, even if that meant losing Lillian.

From Salon

After staving off elimination in Game 4, the Dodgers had a quote displayed on a screen in their clubhouse before the series’ decisive game:

From Los Angeles Times