at bay

phrase

: 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 figuratively
The doctors have been able to keep her illness at bay for several months.

Examples of at bay in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Until recently, many of those with the condition have had no choice but to rely on long-term use of antiviral medication to keep CHB's viral load at bay. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 The Dream held the Valkyries without a basket for the first 5-plus minutes of the game and then came up with big blocks by Howard and Isobel Borlase in the third quarter that helped keep Golden State at bay. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 According to Moscow’s defense intellectuals, Russia may need to change its posture to contain this trend, including by seeking new tools to keep Europe at bay and to coerce it below the nuclear threshold. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026 Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in your sunscreen, which keep both UVB and the more dangerous UVA rays at bay. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at bay

Rhymes for at bay

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Browse Nearby Words

at bat
at bay
at best
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Cite this Entry

“At bay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bay. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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