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Showing results for beat off. Search instead for kept off.
Synonyms

beat off

Idioms  
  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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC Sep. 13, 2025

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

From BBC Apr. 6, 2025

Qatar beat off a challenge from South Korea in October to host the 2023 Asian Cup, using the facilities created for the World Cup.

From Seattle Times Dec. 5, 2022

On a wonky night for UCLA, its defense giving out yardage like Rose Bowl flea market fliers and its offense a beat off its usual rhythm, one thing remained constant.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 13, 2022

Aycliffe made a series of lunges, first one way, then another, which Bear managed to beat off, but only because he retreated.

From "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi

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