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 these scenarios, cardboard collars can provide a protective barrier until the stems are strong enough to ward off pests on their own.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Protein supports strength training and builds muscle, helping to ward off conditions that become more common with age, including osteoporosis, frailty, and metabolic diseases.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
The steep rent and the shabby condition of the building, which significantly increases the overall costs of taking it on, have warded off other would-be buyers.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ward off
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Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Protein supports strength training and builds muscle, helping to ward off conditions that become more common with age, including osteoporosis, frailty, and metabolic diseases.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
The steep rent and the shabby condition of the building, which significantly increases the overall costs of taking it on, have warded off other would-be buyers.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 3 Feb. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.
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