stave off

Definitions

To avert or delay something undesirable or dangerous.

To fend off or hold at a distance.

Examples

He drank a large cup of coffee to stave off his exhaustion during the long meeting.

The government implemented new economic policies in an attempt to stave off a recession.

Synonyms

avert forestall prevent ward off fend off delay hold at bay

Antonyms

encourage invite facilitate hasten precipitate promote bring about