ward off
Britishverb
-
Turn aside, parry, as in He tried to ward off her blows . [Second half of 1500s]
-
Try to prevent, avert, as in She took vitamin C to ward off a cold . [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.
Biohackers are turning to the shingles vaccine to ward off heart issues and delay dementia, but doctors want to see clinical evidence from rigorous medical studies before making the case to their patients.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026
By doing that they avoid sweating and, combined with concentrated urine and dry faeces, it helps them minimise water loss, while their thick skin coat helps them ward off solar radiation.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
On Wednesday, the prime minister tried to ward off the expected challenge by insisting he wants Burnham to play "a big role" in his government.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
He startled a young boar grubbing up pignuts, and grunted a quick apology to ward off an attack.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
