stave off (v.)
- adjourn
- anticipate
- avert
- bar
- block
- check
- continue
- counter
- debar
- defer
- deflect
- delay
- deter
- discourage
- dishearten
- estop
- exclude
- extend
- fend
- forbid
- foreclose
- forestall
- help
- hinder
- obstruct
- obviate
- parry
- pigeonhole
- postpone
- preclude
- prevent
- prohibit
- prolong
- prorogue
- protract
- rebuff
- rebut
- recess
- repel
- repulse
- reserve
- save
- shelve
- stay
- stop
- suspend
- table
- waive
- ward