What does the phrasal verb “stave off” mean?

What are the definitions of “stave off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Delay, prevent something from happening.

  The medicine STAVED OFF the worst of the disease.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stave off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stave off is to delay or prevent something from happening, usually something negative or undesirable. It is often used when talking about avoiding problems or stopping something bad from happening.

What are the different verb forms of “stave off”?

Root Verb	stave off
Third Person Singular Present	staves off
Present Participle	staving off
Simple Past	staved off
Past Participle	staved off

Example

We need to stave off the negative effects of climate change.

Example

She staves off her hunger by eating small snacks throughout the day.

Example

He is staving off the cold by wearing layers of clothing.

Example

They staved off the enemy attack by building strong defenses.

Example

The crisis was staved off by a last-minute agreement.

What kind of phrasal verb is “stave off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“stave off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She staved off the flu by getting vaccinated.

Example

He staved off the deadline by working overtime.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“stave off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She staved off the flu by getting vaccinated.

Example

He staved off the deadline by working overtime.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stave off”?

Stave off hunger

To prevent or delay feelings of hunger, usually by eating small amounts of food or consuming low-calorie beverages.

Example

Drinking water can help stave off hunger between meals.

Stave off illness

To prevent or delay the onset of an illness, often by taking preventive measures such as vaccinations, proper hygiene, or a healthy lifestyle.

Example

Regular exercise can help stave off many common illnesses.

Stave off disaster

To prevent or delay a disastrous event or situation, often by taking quick or decisive action.

Example

The firefighters staved off disaster by quickly extinguishing the blaze.

Good things to know

Does “stave off” have an informal or formal tone?

Stave off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “stave off”?

Synonyms

• avert
• prevent
• postpone
• delay
• thwart
• hinder
• fend off
• ward off
• hold off
• keep at bay

Antonyms

• allow
• encourage
• permit
• facilitate
• promote
• support
• advance
• foster
• cultivate
• nurture