ward off
phrasal verb
warded off; warding off; wards off
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
—often used figurativelyI tried different remedies to ward off a cold.
Examples of ward off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Ecology this week, the team reports that the chick’s strange appearance may be a case of Batesian mimicry, in which a harmless animal tries to ward off predators by resembling a different, more dangerous species.
—
Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
So…what about cranberry juice or supplements to help ward off UTIs?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025
White hit another three with just under four minutes remaining to ward off a brief Miami rally, and the Celtics’ defense held the Heat to just 14 fourth-quarter points.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Miami Beach is continuing a cheeky plea to try to ward off spring breakers this year, as police departments around the state brace for the influx of visitors.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ward off
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Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
So…what about cranberry juice or supplements to help ward off UTIs?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025
White hit another three with just under four minutes remaining to ward off a brief Miami rally, and the Celtics’ defense held the Heat to just 14 fourth-quarter points.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Miami Beach is continuing a cheeky plea to try to ward off spring breakers this year, as police departments around the state brace for the influx of visitors.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ward off
Cite this Entry
“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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