noun
- plural of stave; wooden strips that form the sides of a barrel or similar container
- plural of staff; wooden rods or sticks, especially those used as weapons or tools
verb
- third person singular present of stave; breaks or crushes inward
- third person singular present of stave; prevents or delays something undesirable
Usage: often used with ‘off’
Examples
- The cooper carefully shaped the oak staves for the wine barrel.
- The protesters carried wooden staves as they marched.
- The impact staves in the side of the boat.
- She staves off hunger by eating small snacks throughout the day.
- The old barrel’s staves were held together with metal hoops.
- He staves off boredom by reading mystery novels.
- The damaged staves need to be replaced before the barrel can hold liquid.