fend

[fend]

verb (used with object)

1. to ward off (often followed byoff ).

   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. to give support (to someone, esp oneself); provide (for)

2. 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 Word Forms

• unfended 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

She said she hoped to earn celestial support to fend off worries that visa restrictions could derail her dream of studying at New York University.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Still, my favorite performance has to be Luna’s, whose Valentin is at once strong and vulnerable, like a mutt attempting to fend off a bear.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The changes by banks were in part meant to fend off accusations that they discriminate against certain sectors, including firearm manufacturers and oil and gas companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The unrest risks derailing French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to restore France’s influence as a global power, as well as its ability to fend off growing competition from China.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

French President Emmanuel Macron will name a new prime minister within 48 hours, the Elysee Palace has said, fending off speculation that fresh elections could be imminent.

Read more on BBC

When To Use

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.