ward off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To parry, or turn aside.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He raised his arms to ward off the attack.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To, while in possession of the ball, move the free hand or the hand and arm holding the butt end of the stick laterally into a defending player's body or stick.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To avert or prevent.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ward off” mean?
To parry, or turn aside.
Is “ward off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.