ichidan verb, transitive verb
hold back; keep at bay; stem; curb; halt
Used for stopping the advance or spread of something undesirable, such as an enemy, disease, or trend. Often implies a defensive or preventive effort.
敵の攻撃を食い止めるために、兵士たちは必死に戦った。
The soldiers fought desperately to hold back the enemy's attack.
感染拡大を食い止めるには、早期の対策が必要だ。
Early measures are necessary to stem the spread of infection.
インフレを食い止める政策が求められている。
Policies to curb inflation are being called for.