stave
verb/steɪv/
Frequency rank: #12,578 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
to ward off or hold back something unwanted (usually used as 'stave off').
Example sentence
The hikers used wooden planks to stave off the floodwaters rushing toward their camp.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 12,501–12,600
- snipeTo shoot or criticize from a concealed position; to make a quick, opportunistic capture.
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- sociologista person who studies human society, social behavior, and social institutions
- squishySoft and yielding when pressed; easily squashed or compressed.
- stalematea situation in which further action or progress by either side seems impossible; a deadlock.
- strangleto squeeze or constrict the throat or growth of something, preventing breathing or development.
- streamera long, narrow strip of ribbon or paper used as a decoration.
- streetcarA tram or electric rail vehicle that runs on tracks along city streets.
- stringera freelance journalist or correspondent who is paid per piece submitted to a news organization.
- supremelyto the highest possible degree; extremely