deflect · stave off · distance · barrier · shield · guard · defend · blockade · fortress · moat · repellent · deterrent · buffer · boundary · wall · push away · stand firm · threshold
IDEA.org / Words / keep at bay
Related — fend off (Deflect an advance); hold back (Prevent forward movement); repel (Drive off or disgust); ward off · resist · deflect · stave off · distance · barrier · shield · guard · defend · blockade
proximity/access controlkeep at bay ≠ let in Permit entry; admit · welcome · usher in
resistance vs. yieldingkeep at bay ≠ give in to
engagementkeep at bay ≠ embrace Hold closely in arms; welcome · pull in · accept · receive · take in
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/keep_at_bay