stave
noun
[ steɪv ]
• a vertical wooden post or plank in a building or other structure.
• a set of five parallel lines on any one or between any adjacent two of which a note is written to indicate its pitch.
• a verse or stanza of a poem.
Origin:
Middle English: back-formation from staves, archaic plural of staff1. Current senses of the verb date from the early 17th century.
stave in
• break something by forcing it inwards or piercing it roughly.
• "the door was staved in"
stave off
• avert or delay something bad or dangerous.
• "a reassuring presence can stave off a panic attack"
Similar:
avert,
prevent,
avoid,
preclude,
rule out,
counter,
forestall,
nip in the bud,
ward off,
fend off,
head off,
keep off,
keep at bay,
