Pronunciation: [stˈe͡ɪvɪŋ ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The phrase "staving off" means to hold off or delay something. Its pronunciation is [steɪvɪŋ ɒf], where the 'a' in 'staving' is pronounced like the 'a' in 'cat', the 'v' in 'staving' is pronounced like 'f', and the 'e' at the end of 'staving' is silent. The 'o' in 'off' is pronounced like the 'o' in 'hot', and the 'ff' at the end of 'off' is a voiced fricative produced by the vocal cords rubbing against each other.
Staving off is a phrase that is commonly used to indicate the act of preventing or delaying something undesirable from happening. It is often associated with taking proactive measures to avoid a negative outcome or to keep a situation from deteriorating.
The term "staving off" can be thought of in literal terms, as it originated from the act of using a stave or a wooden stick to ward off or fend off an attack. In a metaphorical sense, it implies using any means necessary to proactively counteract, resist, or push back against a particular threat or problem.
Staving off typically involves taking proactive actions, implementing preventive measures, or employing strategies to mitigate the risks of a potential negative event or circumstance. It may involve making preparations, taking defensive actions, or implementing safeguards or preventive behaviors.
For instance, individuals may engage in regular exercise and follow a healthy diet to stave off illness or obesity. A country may increase military presence along its borders to stave off potential invasions. In the business world, companies may implement cost-cutting measures to stave off bankruptcy or invest in research and development to stave off competition.
Overall, staving off requires proactive measures to prevent or delay something undesirable from occurring, often involving preparations, actions, or strategies to counteract or resist a potential threat or negative outcome.
The phrase "staving off" originates from the verb "stave", which originated from the Old English word "stefan" or "stefian". In Old English, "stefan" meant "to push or thrust back, repel, or ward off". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "stebaną", which means "to push, strike, thrust". Over time, the word "stave" came to mean "to prevent, hold off, or delay". Hence, "staving off" implies actively preventing or delaying something undesirable.
