Question 1

What does "stave in" mean?

Accepted Answer

To crush or smash a hollow structure inward so that it collapses or breaks

Question 2

How do you use "stave in" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The collision with the rocks staved in the hull of the wooden boat.

Question 3

Is "stave in" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"stave in" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Primarily used in nautical and physical/structural contexts. 'Stave' originally referred to the wooden planks of a barrel. Commonly heard in descriptions of shipwrecks, accidents, or collisions. Rare in everyday conversation.

stave in

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