beat off

1. Repulse, drive away by blows, as in We tried to beat off the flying ants swarming about us. Originating in the mid-1600s in a military context, this term was being used for other activities by the mid-1700s.

Example Sentences

The Austrian team beat off competition from reigning European champions Budapest who were on track to win, but ended up in fourth place.

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Offloads that went to ground or straight into Argentine hands were one serious issue, as were passes just a beat off the runner.

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Romola Garai beat off stiff competition - including from herself - to take home the Olivier for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Years.

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The deal for 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters was signed in February 2010 after AgustaWestland beat off competition from US and Russian rivals.

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The event in Newcastle also saw Bashy claim best album and best hip-hop act after a 15-year break from music and Darkoo beat off competition from Raye and Jorja Smith to be recognised as best female act.

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Related Words

• chide 
• deny 
• dismiss 
• disregard 
• fend off www.thesaurus.com
• ignore 
• oppose 
• rebuke 
• refuse 
• reject 
• repudiate 
• resist 
• snub 
• spurn 
• turn down