at bay
idiom
: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone
—used with keep or hold
The soldiers kept the attackers at bay.
—often used figurativelyThe doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.
Examples of at bay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From pole, Hamilton darted in front of Verstappen and kept him at bay heading into Turn 1.
—
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
In recent years, the U.S. had already begun to neglect its public-health infrastructure, weakening defenses necessary for keeping infectious diseases at bay.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
The issue honors the firefighters who worked tirelessly against strong winds and dry conditions to protect residents and keep the blazes at bay.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Alzheimer’s Scientists examining the brains of people destined to develop Alzheimer’s dementia say there may be a way to keep symptoms at bay in certain patients.
—Jade Walker, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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