fight off

verb

1. to repulse; repel
2. to struggle to avoid or repress

   to fight off a cold

Idioms and Phrases

Defend against, drive back, as in I've been fighting off a cold all week . This figurative use of the term, originally meaning “to repel an enemy” dates from the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

A 43-year-old father was fatally shot by police in Las Vegas after he called 911 for help while fighting off an intruder in his home.

From BBC

The police say that residents helped officers to fight off an attempted attack on the upscale suburb of Pétion-Ville.

From BBC

But in the meantime, she said, it is facing a serious economic crisis as it tries to fight off rebels and terrorist groups, and is looking for ways to get cash.

From New York Times

Perhaps nowhere confronts a bleaker election-related dichotomy than Ukraine, soon to enter a third year of trying to fight off a full-scale invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military.

From Los Angeles Times

Goalkeeper Hampton fought off competition from Mary Earps for her place - but it is not secure after a mixed performance.

From BBC