shelve

¹ American  

[shelv] / ʃɛlv /

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.

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shelve ² American  

[shelv] / ʃɛlv /

verb (used without object)

shelved, shelving

1. to slope gradually.

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shelve ¹ British  

/ 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

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shelve ² British  

/ ʃɛlv /

verb

1. (intr) to slope away gradually; incline

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Other Word Forms

• shelver noun

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

If doctors determine he is unlikely to play this season, it’s unlikely the team would make the same mistake since shelving Puig would open up a designated-play spot.

From Los Angeles Times

The bill was shelved before the legislature could vote on it.

From Los Angeles Times

Manus also shelved a plan to join with Alibaba to introduce a Chinese version of the tool that had been announced in March, people familiar with the plan said.

From The Wall Street Journal

It shelved plans for a product to be offered in the Chinese market.

From Barron's

But after 11 years - and with the rubbish still piling up - the scheme is being shelved because it "failed to show a tangible result".

From BBC

Related Words

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