ward off

USAGE SUMMARY

"ward off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of keeping someone or something away or preventing something from happening. For example, "He held up a crucifix to ward off the evil spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some family members attempted to ward off this further opportunity for self-blame or guilt.

BioSocieties

Defensins are another type of innate immune defense that insect possesses to ward off pathogenic bacteria.

BMC Genomics

The main purpose of the host response is to ward off invading pathogens.

BioMed Research International

Plants have evolved effective defense strategies to ward off natural enemies, including pathogens and herbivores.

BMC Plant Biology

Ancient Egyptians used barberry fruit with fennel seeds to ward off pestilent fevers [ 6].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

For example, 99.99% of the pesticides we eat are naturally present in plants to ward off insects and other predators.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The use of similar, artificially produced, sounds to ward off bats from human and livestock habitats should be explored.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Several "obias" (protective charms to ward off outsiders) were hanging along the entrance path to her garden.

Economic Botany

Adaptive immunity (acquired immunity) is antigen-specific and is required to ward off encapsulated bacteria, viruses, and intracellular pathogens.

Clinical interventions in aging

To ward off malevolent spirits, similar powders were reportedly placed directly into dermal incisions, especially in ill children.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Antibiotics are commonly used in food animal production to treat illness, promote growth, and ward off disease.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ward off" when you want to convey a sense of active defense or prevention against something specific, such as an illness, attack, or negative influence.

Common error

Avoid using "ward off" in situations where a more passive or general term like "avoid" or "prevent" would be more appropriate. "Ward off" implies a deliberate effort to counter a specific threat, not just a general avoidance of risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "ward off" functions primarily as a verb of prevention, indicating an action taken to deflect or avert something undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples show a wide range of applications, from preventing illnesses to deflecting attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "ward off" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within scientific contexts, to describe the act of defending against or preventing something negative. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's used correctly in writing and speech, implying active protection or preventative measures. While its use is prevalent in science-related content, its versatility makes it applicable in various settings. To ensure accurate and effective communication, consider synonyms like "fend off" or "avert" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid using "ward off" when a more general term like "prevent" suffices, as it implies a specific threat being countered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fend off

Emphasizes resisting an attack or unwanted advance.

repel

Focuses on driving something back or away.

avert

Highlights preventing something from happening.

prevent

A general term for stopping something from occurring.

stave off

Suggests delaying or postponing something negative.

deflect

Implies turning something aside.

counteract

Focuses on neutralizing a negative effect.

forestall

Emphasizes acting in advance to prevent something.

preclude

Highlights making something impossible.

deter

Implies discouraging or preventing through fear or doubt.

FAQs

How to use "ward off" in a sentence?

You can use "ward off" to describe actively preventing something negative from affecting you, such as "Washing your hands frequently can "ward off" colds" or "The knight raised his shield to "ward off" the blow".

What can I say instead of "ward off"?

You can use alternatives like "fend off", "repel", or "avert" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ward off from" instead of "ward off"?

The correct phrasing is simply "ward off". The addition of "from" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. For example, say "She used sunscreen to "ward off" sunburn", not "ward off from sunburn".

What is the difference between "ward off" and "prevent"?

"Ward off" implies a more active and defensive action to counter something, while "prevent" is a more general term for stopping something from happening. You "ward off" a specific attack, but you "prevent" an accident.