Dictionary sparePreventing suffering

verb

spare

To save someone from harm or an unwanted experience.

The shelter spares them the worst of the wind.

Etymology

spareOld Englishto refrain from harming or using

The older verb already expressed refraining or holding back. Sparing people withholds harm or prevents an unpleasant experience from reaching them.

More examples

She spared him the embarrassing details.
They have spared the old tree from removal.
He was trying to spare his family further worry.

Forms

spare · spares · spared · sparing

Similar words

save: Prevents harm or an unwanted outcome.
shield: Protects someone from exposure to harm.