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to stave

to stave

6 8.5
To break a hole in an object by hitting or crushing it
  • verb
  • /steɪv/
translation icon : hacer un agujero en
  • The workers used a heavy hammer to stave a hole in the wall for the new window.

Examples

  • He managed to stave in the door during the storm to prevent water from flooding inside.

  • After several attempts, they finally staved the barrel to release the trapped air inside.

  • We do this not to stave off our critics, but because these are the values that made our nation great.

  • There is nothing you can do to stave off the inevitable.

  • Probably the fact that they need German funds to stave off state default.

    Blog text (28)
  • So in your neighborhood, my question is what is the most effective method to stave off infections in the wild?

  • His Recovery Act supported millions of jobs and helped to stave off a second Great Depression.

    Blog text (22)
  • And now is a great time for people to stave off boredom by learning new skills.

  • David Cameron is trying to work out whether to cut more public sector jobs in order to stave off a double dip recession.

  • But the objective of the exercise is really to stave off extinction as long as possible, and I believe that that is a valid thing to do.

Synonyms

to smash
vsto stave
311 2.1

To break something into many pieces using great force

targets making a hole specifically, not only general destruction
to punch
vsto stave
136 1.8

To make a hole in paper or leather with a small tool

focuses more on violent smashing or bursting to create the hole
to puncture
vsto stave
50 3.9

To make a small hole in something with a sharp object that lets air or liquid escape

involves stronger force and larger breaking rather than a small leak
to kick in
vsto stave
38 4.1

Force a door or gate open by hitting it hard with your foot

uses smashing or bursting to create a hole rather than a targeted kick
to gouge
vsto stave
20 7.2

To make a deep cut or hole in something with a sharp object

centres on heavy smashing or bursting rather than controlled gouging
to break open
vsto stave
13 2.1

To open something suddenly by force, for example a locked door or jar

involves making a hole by smashing or bursting rather than opening
to perforate
vsto stave
12 6.1

Make a hole through something by piercing it

uses heavier force and often causes breaking or bursting
to dash
vsto stave
7 1.8

To break something violently into pieces

aims specifically to force a hole in something, not just general smashing
to hole
vsto stave
6 6.4

To make an opening in something by cutting or piercing

emphasizes forceful breaking or bursting rather than general piercing
to smash up
vsto stave
  • Informal
5 4.7

To damage something very badly so it breaks into pieces

focuses more narrowly on forcing a hole by smashing or bursting
to gouge out
vsto stave
5 7.4

To make a deep cut or groove in a surface by scraping

uses blunt force smashing to break or burst rather than scraping
to bore
vsto stave
1 4.9

To make a hole in something with a tool or with animal teeth

relies on sudden smashing or bursting rather than boring motion
to break in
vsto stave
1 3.5

To force open a door or window to get inside

is broader, meaning to break or burst a hole into any object
to stave in
vsto stave
7.7

To break a hole in something and make part cave in

is the same action but without the added particle or inward focus
to thurl
vsto stave
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a hole through something with a tool

is more about violent breaking or bursting than gradual piercing
to busticate
vsto stave
  • Slang
9.9

Make something stop working by hitting or dropping it

specifies forcing a hole in something, not just general damage

Antonyms

457 2.5

To close something tightly to stop air or water getting in

365 1.0

To fix something that is broken or not working

Phrasal Verbs

30 6.4

To stop something bad from happening for a while

To break a hole in something and make part cave in

How Damaged

to destroy
1.0
to smash
311 2.1
to stave
6 8.5
to break
1.0
to crack
311 1.0
to dent
27 2.2

Surface Forms

stave infinitive
staved past
staved past participle
staving present participle
staves third person singular

Etymology

To stave in something comes from the idea of hitting with a staff meaning 'stick', so to 'stave in' a door is to smash it inward as if struck by a strong stick.