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

However, the plans were shelved weeks before the launch date following a dispute with the UK government, which would have been required to grant the scheme an exemption from the Internal Market Act.

Read more on BBC

However, the plan was shelved weeks before the launch date.

Read more on BBC

But with both Clipper and Psyche now in space and Mars Sample Return shelved, the lab couldn’t find roles for some of the projects’ workers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the plan was recently shelved, with the electric model now not expected before 2035.

Read more on BBC

Amid the U.S. pressure, IMO members on Friday voted to shelve the issue for at least a year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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