ward off evil

USAGE SUMMARY

'ward off evil' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express a desire to protect oneself or others from something perceived as dangerous or malicious. For example, you could say "We asked the priest to perform a ritual to ward off evil spirits from our home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Superstition, witchcraft, exorcism, talismans that ward off evil: in this land of the supernatural, irrationality prevails.

The New York Times

It has been used to combat the plague, prevent gangrene, treat hypertension and ward off evil spirits.

BBC

That is, they could ward off evil spirits.

Independent

It is in dancing that you ward off evil.

The Guardian - Travel

A number of sacrifices were held to ward off evil for the Dodoth.

The New Yorker

This traditional Jewish emblem of observance is often thought to ward off evil.

The New York Times

The Ainu patterned almost everything they owned with spirals meant to ward off evil spirits.

The New York Times - Arts

The tolling of passing bells was intended to ward off evil spirits from dying persons.

Britannica

Decorations around wrist and fingers were thought to ward off evil spirits and disease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The metal was long used as a talisman, to ward off evil spirits.

The Guardian - Film

Or about accounts that said Norse ale was served with garlic to ward off evil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ward off evil", consider the specific context and choose related terms to more precisely reflect the action being taken, such as "repel", "deflect", or "avert".

Common error

Avoid using "ward off evil" in contexts where a more secular or practical term would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying someone uses a specific software to "ward off evil" cyber attacks, consider "prevent" or "defend against".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ward off evil" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action taken to protect oneself or something else from perceived negative or harmful forces. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ward off evil" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe actions taken to protect against negative influences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears across various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to refine your word choice for greater precision, and be mindful of potentially more suitable secular alternatives in modern settings. The phrase carries a Neutral register, suitable for various discussions related to beliefs, folklore, and cultural practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repel evil

Replaces "ward off" with "repel", focusing on forceful rejection.

deflect evil

Emphasizes redirecting evil away, rather than stopping it directly.

avert evil

Highlights preventing evil from occurring or affecting someone.

protect against evil

More explicit about the protective action being taken.

guard against evil

Similar to 'protect against', but suggests a more vigilant defense.

shield from evil

Uses a metaphor of physical shielding to convey protection.

fend off evil

Implies actively fighting back against evil.

counteract evil

Focuses on neutralizing the effects of evil.

combat evil

Suggests a more aggressive and ongoing struggle against evil.

neutralize evil

Emphasizes rendering evil ineffective.

FAQs

How can I use "ward off evil" in a sentence?

You can use "ward off evil" to describe actions taken to protect against negative influences. For example, "They performed a ritual to ward off evil spirits" or "She wore an amulet to ward off evil."

What are some alternatives to "ward off evil"?

Some alternatives include "repel evil", "deflect evil", "avert evil", and "protect against evil" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ward off evil" formal or informal?

"Ward off evil" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in discussions of cultural beliefs, folklore, or religious practices. In modern, secular contexts, more direct terms like "prevent" or "protect" might be preferred.

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

"Ward off evil" often implies a more spiritual or superstitious approach to protection, while "prevent evil" suggests a more practical or proactive approach. The choice depends on the context and the intended meaning.