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to ward

to ward

43 4.8
To keep someone or something safe from harm
  • verb
  • /wɔrd/
translation icon : ahuyentar
  • She carries a charm to ward off any negative energy during her travels.
  • ward off attacks
  • ward off threats
  • ward off evil

And is there anything you do to recharge or or ward it off before it hits you?

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Examples

  • To ward off evil spirits.

  • The use of antibiotics to ward off infections and to promote growth in livestock is not new.

    Academic text (2000)
  • So while mental strength might ward off some mental health problems, it's not a guarantee.

  • Careful planning is necessary to ward off problems before they occur.

    Academic text (1996)
  • We'll need tents to ward off the cold tonight.

  • Major powers are beginning to take steps to ward off state failures in Africa and other turbulent regions.

    Academic text (2003)
  • I'm still trying to ward off the Grim Reaper as much as I can.

  • In healthy people, the immune system is ever poised to ward off attackers.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The powder was believed to produce an antidote that warded off malicious attacks from enemies.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Astronomers dressed in heavy sweaters and down jackets to ward off the chill.

    Academic text (2002)

Synonyms

to protect
vsto ward
1.0

To keep someone or something safe from harm

focuses on broad safety rather than active prevention
to guard
vsto ward
418 1.0

To watch and protect a person or place from harm

is more general protection rather than continuous watching
to cover
vsto ward
352 1.9

To protect someone, for example by guarding them in a game

is aimed at personal protection rather than broad coverage
to shield
vsto ward
146 2.7

To protect someone or something from harm

is general protection that can include other measures
to shelter
vsto ward
76 2.5

To give someone a safe place to stay from danger or bad weather

is broader protection not focused on giving a safe place
to shield from
vsto ward
56 3.3

To protect people or things from harm

is broader protection, not limited to a physical barrier
to safeguard
vsto ward
45 3.7

To protect someone or something from harm

is simpler action focused on immediate protection
to keep at bay
vsto ward
38 3.9

Stop something harmful from coming close and causing trouble

is wider protection, not only keeping dangers distant
to ward off
vsto ward
34 4.4

To keep harmful or unpleasant things away from you

is general protective action rather than repelling threats
to keep safe
vsto ward
9 1.8

To protect people or things from danger

is more about active prevention than long term assurance
to shield against
vsto ward
3 3.8

To protect a person or thing from harm

is broader protection, not only barrier prevention
to forfend
vsto ward
  • Archaic
2 9.9

To stop danger or harm from happening

is general guarding rather than formal preventative action
to forefend
vsto ward
  • Archaic
9.9

To stop something bad from happening

is ongoing protective action rather than one-time prevention

Antonyms

256 3.8

Fail to care for someone or something you should look after

124 3.7

To put someone or something in danger of harm

Idioms

To protect people from bad luck caused by a jealous look using charms

Phrasal Verbs

34 4.4

To keep harmful or unpleasant things away from you

Compounds

A hospital ward for women during childbirth and their newborn babies

A room in a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for together

ward-heeler
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A local person who gets votes for a political party by offering favors

How Protective

to protect
1.0
to shield
146 2.7
to ward
43 4.8
to guard
418 1.0
to shelter
76 2.5

Surface Forms

ward infinitive
warded past
warded past participle
warding present participle
wards third person singular

Etymology

The verb ward goes back to an old word meaning 'to guard', so to ward something or to ward off danger is to protect it and keep harm away.