Stave

A 'stave' can refer to a vertical wooden plank forming part of a structure, particularly the sides of a barrel or a part of a ladder. It can also mean a vertical structural support such as a post or rail. Additionally, 'stave' can signify a stanza or verse in poetry or song. The term further describes the action of breaking or delaying something unpleasant. Figuratively, it can mean to prevent or avert something bad from happening, or to push it away. This verb usage emphasizes the active prevention of a negative outcome.

Stave meaning with examples

• The cooper carefully selected and fitted each oak stave, ensuring the barrel was watertight and strong enough to hold the wine. Without the staves, the barrel was useless. The staves were crucial for the storage of goods.
• The poet began the next stave of their epic poem, detailing the hero's final confrontation with the villain. The staves in the poem created a strong sense of drama. The staves were vital to the poem's structure.
• The citizens united to stave off the impending economic collapse, implementing new policies and working to rebuild. Working together, the citizens used all their knowledge and power to stave off the impending disaster. They were determined to stave off the impact.
• The hikers used their walking sticks as staves to climb the steep mountain path, providing support and stability on the challenging terrain. With each stave, the hikers felt safer. They were able to overcome the challenge thanks to the staves.