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

Republican Rep. David Valadao managed to once again fend off Democratic challenger Rudy Salas to keep his seat representing California’s 22nd Congressional District in the Central Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem with that premise is, of course, that the Harris-Walz campaign is reportedly in debt to the tune of $20 million, and it appears the operation is attempting to strip the wires from the walls in order to fend off its creditors.

From Slate

She’s also independent, which means she’s unprotected by the fortification of lawyers and resources erected by the owners of newspapers such as The Times to fend off legal threats, frivolous and otherwise, that are part of the arsenal of people and firms we write about.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Krejcikova again pushed her, with Zheng having to fend off another break point, she ultimately claimed a straight-set win as the Czech went wide with a forehand.

From BBC

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

From BBC