Ward Off

Pronunciation: /wɔːrd ɒf/

Definitions of ward off

verb to prevent or protect against something harmful or dangerous

Example Sentences

A1 I use bug spray to ward off mosquitoes.

A2 She wore a scarf to ward off the cold.

B1 The security guard helped ward off any potential intruders.

B2 Regular exercise can help ward off certain health problems.

C1 The company implemented new cybersecurity measures to ward off cyber attacks.

C2 The vaccine was developed to ward off the spread of the virus.

Examples of ward off in a Sentence

formal The security system was installed to ward off potential intruders.

informal I always carry pepper spray with me to ward off any creeps.

slang I use garlic to ward off vampires.

figurative She surrounded herself with positive energy to ward off negative thoughts.

Grammatical Forms of ward off

• past tense: warded off
• plural: ward off
• comparative: more ward off
• superlative: most ward off
• present tense: wards off
• future tense: will ward off
• perfect tense: have warded off
• continuous tense: is warding off
• singular: wards off
• positive degree: ward off
• infinitive: to ward off
• gerund: warding off
• participle: warding off

Origin and Evolution of ward off

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'ward off' originated from Old English word 'weardian' meaning 'to guard' or 'to protect'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'ward off' has evolved to signify the act of preventing or keeping something away, rather than just guarding or protecting.