ward off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Keep away by precaution
Why “off”? Something unwanted is pushed away so it does not affect you.
“They drank tea to ward off the cold.”
“Garlic is said to ward off insects.”
Test yourself
“They drank tea to ward off the cold.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
blow off
Same off pattern: defence
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
brush off
Same off pattern: defence
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely
drive off
Same off pattern: defence
Leave by car; Force back by attacking
fend off
Same off pattern: defence
Keep someone or something at a distance
fight off
Same off pattern: defence
Repel an attacker or illness
put off
Same off pattern: defence
Delay or postpone; Discourage or repel; Postpone to another time
scare off
Same off pattern: defence
Frighten away
see off
Same off pattern: defence
Repel a rival successfully
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