ward off
Third Person
wards off
Present Participle
warding off
Past Tense
warded off
Past Participle
warded off
1
to repel or avoid an attack or undesirable situation
transitive
- The use of insect repellent helps ward off mosquitoes and reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.
- Installing a security system can help ward off burglars and protect the home from potential break-ins.
- He wore garlic around his neck to ward off evil spirits.
- The dog barked loudly to ward off any strangers who came too close to the house.
- The villagers set up a perimeter of fire to ward off wild animals during the night.
2
to prevent or defend against something
transitive
- The vaccine helped ward off infections during the flu season.
- The new regulations are designed to ward off the risk of financial instability.
- Taking precautions can help ward off potential accidents in the workplace.
- Good hygiene habits can ward off the spread of viruses in public places.
- The company introduced new security measures to ward off cyberattacks.