stay

Definitions

1. verb

   To remain in a place.

   Examples

   • We stayed in Hawaii for a week.
   • I can only stay for an hour.
   ≈abide
2. verb

   To keep being in a certain state.

   Examples

   • Wear gloves so your hands stay warm.
   • Please stay calm.
   ≈continue
3. verb

   In old use, to hold up or support something.

   Examples

   • Two priests stood by him to stay him from falling.
   • They stayed up his arms until evening.
   ≈bear≈prop up≈uphold
4. verb

   In old use, to satisfy for a while, as hunger.

   Examples

   • A small snack stayed her hunger until dinner.
   • The bread did not stay his stomach for long.
5. verb

   In old use, to stop or delay someone.

   Examples

   • Your ships are stayed at Venice.
   • This business stayed me in London for almost a week.
6. verb

   In old use, to hold back or stop an action.

   Examples

   • David stayed his men from attacking.
   • No hand could stay the blow.
   ≈curb
7. verb

   In old use, to put an end to something.

   Examples

   • Now stay your fight.
   • The stars seemed to say the child would end the world's troubles.
   ≈cancel
8. verb

   To delay or put off a decision or action.

   Examples

   • The governor stayed the execution until the appeal.
   • The judge stayed the order for a week.
9. verb

   In old use, to hold someone's attention.

   Examples

   • The talk stayed the whole audience for two hours.
   • Her acting stayed everyone in the theater.
10. verb

    In old use, to hold out against or resist.

    Examples

    • She will not stay the attack of loving words.
    • The old fort could no longer stay the attack.
    ≈endure