Stave in

verb

To break or push something inward, like a door or part of a boat.

The impact of the collision staved in the car's door.
Visual representation of "stave in" - To break or push something inward, like a door or part of a boat.

Often appears as...

  • stave in the door
  • stave in a boat
verb

To delay or prevent a negative situation.

The government's measures are aimed at staving off economic crisis.
Visual representation of "stave in" - To delay or prevent a negative situation.

Often appears as...

  • stave off disaster
  • stave off an attack
verb

To break or push something inward, like a door or part of a boat.

The impact of the collision staved in the car's door.
Visual representation of "stave in" - To break or push something inward, like a door or part of a boat.

Often appears as...

  • stave in the door
  • stave in a boat
verb

To delay or prevent a negative situation.

The government's measures are aimed at staving off economic crisis.
Visual representation of "stave in" - To delay or prevent a negative situation.

Often appears as...

  • stave off disaster
  • stave off an attack
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "stave in"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Force

Often implies significant physical force or violent action caused by an impact or accident.

Illustration for Physical Force
During the storm, waves staved in the hull of the ship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Destruction Implied

Suggests damage is extensive enough to compromise the structure or function of the thing.

Illustration for Destruction Implied
The fallen tree staved in the roof of our cabin.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literal Uses

Best understood literally as causing a physical breach or dent to an object.

Illustration for Literal Uses
He accidentally staved in the side of the metal trash can.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Force

Often implies significant physical force or violent action caused by an impact or accident.

Illustration for Physical Force
During the storm, waves staved in the hull of the ship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Destruction Implied

Suggests damage is extensive enough to compromise the structure or function of the thing.

Illustration for Destruction Implied
The fallen tree staved in the roof of our cabin.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literal Uses

Best understood literally as causing a physical breach or dent to an object.

Illustration for Literal Uses
He accidentally staved in the side of the metal trash can.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Force

Often implies significant physical force or violent action caused by an impact or accident.

Illustration for Physical Force
During the storm, waves staved in the hull of the ship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Destruction Implied

Suggests damage is extensive enough to compromise the structure or function of the thing.

Illustration for Destruction Implied
The fallen tree staved in the roof of our cabin.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literal Uses

Best understood literally as causing a physical breach or dent to an object.

Illustration for Literal Uses
He accidentally staved in the side of the metal trash can.
Visual representation of the word "Stave in"

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