shelve

¹

[shelv]

verb (used with object)

shelved, shelving 

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, shelving 

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

Other Word Forms

• shelver 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

The dish, I thought, deserved better than to be shelved with the sunscreen.

From Salon

Stringer built most of the studio’s interior himself, save for select furnishings and an Ikea shelving unit he painted cobalt blue to match the room’s colorful aesthetic.

From Los Angeles Times

Labor and business leaders told the council members that the city has a long track record of developing plans for upgrading the Convention Center, only to shelve them once it’s time for a decision.

From Los Angeles Times

Originally, the government wanted to cut the size of juries in criminal cases from 15 to 12, though this idea has been shelved.

From BBC

A California bill that would have imposed regulations on kratom products has been shelved.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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