STAVE IN Meaning and
Definition
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Stave in is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of forcefully causing an inward collapse or breaking of a surface, typically through impact or pressure. The term is commonly used in the context of damaging or destroying objects, structures, or surfaces by thrusting or striking with great force, causing them to cave in or buckle inward.
In a literal sense, stave in often describes the action of smashing or crushing a physical object, such as a door, a barrel, or a wall, causing it to collapse inward. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe the impact of a forceful and devastating blow, as in "the economic crisis staved in people's livelihoods."
Stave in can be used in various contexts, including construction, destruction, accidents, or natural disasters. For example, if a car crashes into a building, it can potentially stave in a portion of the structure. Similarly, a falling tree during a storm may stave in the roof of a house.
Overall, stave in indicates a forceful and often unintentional action that results in a collapse or destruction, causing an object or structure to buckle or cave inward due to the tremendous pressure or impact exerted upon it.
Common Misspellings for STAVE IN
- atave in
- ztave in
- xtave in
- dtave in
- etave in
- wtave in
- srave in
- sfave in
- sgave in
- syave in
- s6ave in
- s5ave in
- stzve in
- stsve in
- stwve in
- stqve in
- stace in
- stabe in
- stage in
- stavein
Etymology of STAVE IN
The word "stave in" has its roots in Old English and Middle English.
The term "stave" originally meant a thin, narrow piece of wood used to construct various items such as barrels, buckets, and musical instruments. In Old English, it was spelled "stæf" or "staf".
The word "in" is a preposition suggesting movement towards the interior or into something.
When used together, "stave in" refers to forcibly breaking or causing something to collapse inward, as if hitting or breaking through a barrier made of staves or planks of wood. Over time, the phrase gained a broader sense and is now used metaphorically to describe the act of shattering or demolishing anything, not just wooden structures.
Idioms with the word STAVE IN
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stave in
"Stave in" is an idiom that means to break or smash something inward, usually referring to a violent action that causes an object to collapse or cave in.
Similar spelling words for STAVE IN
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