ward off

phrasal verb

warded off; warding off; wards off
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
often used figuratively
I tried different remedies to ward off a cold.

Examples of ward off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The flu vaccine needs to be updated every year to ward off ever-evolving strains, which is what the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee does. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025 For centuries, sailors have known about ginger’s incredible ability to ward off seasickness. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025 In exchange, Kyiv would continue to receive a steady stream of American weaponry that offers leverage against Moscow and without which Ukraine cannot ward off future Russian aggression in the event of a cease-fire. Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025 Residents were trying to ward off damage to their properties. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ward off

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ward off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!