stave off

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to avert or hold off (something undesirable or harmful), esp temporarily

   to stave off hunger

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stave off Idioms  

1. Keep or hold away, repel, as in The Federal Reserve Board is determined to stave off inflation. This metaphoric expression transfers beating something off with a staff or stave to nonphysical repulsion. [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

In recent weeks, investor appetite has reached a fever pitch and to stave off demand, Rao has had to repeatedly tell investors that the company is “not raising,” Anthropic investors and prospective investors said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

A state report published late last year, however, concluded that even a full reservoir wouldn’t have ensured enough water to stave off disaster and that hydrants would have still lost pressure amid massive demands.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Now, concerns have grown that the country may not be able to stave off another economic crisis.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The enemy will likely take his words seriously and prepare to stave off his threats.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Although she was serene by nature, life had dealt her enough blows and she had suffered enough tragedy that sometimes she had to work to stave off the anxiety she felt.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman