fend

[ fend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to ward off (often followed by off ):

   to fend off blows.

2. to defend.

verb (used without object)

1. to resist or make defense:

   to fend against poverty.

2. to parry; fence.
3. to shift; provide:

   to fend for oneself.

   Synonyms: manage

fend

/ fɛnd /

verb

1. intrfoll byfor to give support (to someone, esp oneself); provide (for)
2. trusually foll byoff to ward off or turn aside (blows, questions, attackers, etc)
3. archaic.
   tr to defend or resist
4. dialect.
   intr to struggle; strive

noun

1. dialect.
   a shift or effort

Other Words From

• un·fended adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fend¹

1250–1300; Middle English fenden, aphetic variant of defenden to defend

Word History and Origins

Origin of fend¹

C13 fenden , shortened from defenden to defend

Example Sentences

His children, who had privileged upbringings and were educated overseas, will have no trouble fending for themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

It makes for a strange tone throughout the film, that the congregation is so horrified by kids who are clearly hungry and fending for themselves, so it’s hard to laugh at their high jinks.

From Los Angeles Times

This more robust economic model could help China fend off the kind of threats posed by Trump's return to power.

From BBC

After months of spending every day with her, Billy decided to stop feeding the cub, giving her plenty of time to learn how to fend for herself before the winter.

From BBC

Boulter then showed real grit to fend off Yuan in a marathon fourth game before closing out the set against the world number 45 with her sixth ace of the match.

From BBC

More About Fend

What is a basic definition of fend?

Fend is a verb that means to force back. Fend can also mean to provide for or support. Fend has a few other senses as a verb.

Fend means to force back or repel someone or something. In this sense, fend is almost always followed by the word off. This sense of fend can be used literally or figuratively. Usually, you would try to fend off something unpleasant or harmful.

• Real-life examples: Cows often have to fend off swarms of flies and gnats that try to bite them. A celebrity’s bodyguard may need to fend off excited fans that are trying to get too close. A business owner will fend off competition.
• Used in a sentence: An alpha wolf must fend off any younger wolves that try to attack it or its pups. 

Fend can also mean to support or provide for, especially for yourself. For example, a person without friends or family must fend for themselves and try to survive without any help.

• Real-life examples: People trapped on a deserted island must fend for themselves. Siblings may have to fend for each other when their parents can’t even fend for themselves.
• Used in a sentence: She never knew her parents and had to fend for herself since she was a child. 

Where does fend come from?

The first records of fend come from around 1250. It comes from the Middle English fenden, a variation of the verb defenden, meaning “to defend.”

Fend shares an origin with the word defend and can be used as a synonym. However, this usage is now very rare.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to fend?

• unfended (adjective)

What are some synonyms for fend?

• ward off
• repel
• parry
• drive off
• manage
• survive
• get by

What are some words that share a root or word element with fend?

• defend
• fend for oneself

What are some words that often get used in discussing fend?

• attack
• strike
• blow
• onslaught
• abandon
• survival
• self-sufficient
• unaided

How is fend used in real life?

Fend most often means to repel something or to provide for, most often providing for yourself.

Just saw my toddler fend off our dog from taking his baby sister's biscuit. Was so proud of him until I realised he's the real predator. HE wanted the biscuit for himself. #theft

— Bubz (@bubzbeauty) March 17, 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan is acknowledging "nobody knows" if the sweeping tax cuts Congress is enacting will produce enough economic growth to fend off soaring federal deficits

— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) December 20, 2017

Thinking about how in high school we had a lockdown drill and my teacher hid in the closet and left us to fend for ourselves

— Morgan (@FroganMeeman) January 29, 2021

Try using fend!

Is fend used correctly in the following sentence?

The hungry puppy had to fend off his brothers and sisters as they tried to steal his food.