AskEraser  |  Settings
Ask.com   
 


Synonyms
stave (stāv)

[Back-formation from staves pl. of staff1.]

noun 

  1. A narrow strip of wood forming part of the sides of a barrel, tub, or similar structure.
  2. A rung of a ladder or chair.
  3. A staff or cudgel.
  4. Music See staff1
  5. A set of verses; a stanza.

verb: staved or stove (stōv), stav·ing, staves. 

transitive verb 

  1. To break in or puncture the staves of.
  2. To break or smash a hole in.
  3. To crush or smash inward.
  4. To furnish with staves.

intransitive verb 

To be or become crushed in.

phrasal verbs

stave off
To keep or hold off; repel: “For 12 years, we've sought to stave off this ultimate threat of disaster” (New York Times)