fend

[ fend ]

/ fɛnd /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for fend on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to ward off (often followed by off): to fend off blows.

to defend.

verb (used without object)

to resist or make defense: to fend against poverty.

to parry; fence.

to shift; provide: to fend for oneself.

OTHER WORDS FOR fend

5 manage, make out, get along.

See synonyms for fend on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of fend

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

OTHER WORDS FROM fend

un·fend·ed, adjective

Words nearby fend

fence with, fencible, fencing, fencing wire, fency, fend, Fendalton tractor, fender, fender bender, fendered, fender pile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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?

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

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

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.

How to use fend in a sentence

Mori spent much of Thursday attempting to apologize and fend off calls for his resignation.
Head of Tokyo Olympic committee says it must limit women because they talk too much|Clay Chandler|February 4, 2021|Fortune
In order for the FAST platforms to fend off this influx of competition, “you have to differentiate yourself,” said a second agency executive.
Future of TV Briefing: Free, ad-supported streaming TV bubble nears an inflection point|Tim Peterson|January 20, 2021|Digiday
States, left by the federal government to fend for themselves, have struggled to get a handle on the logistics of distribution.
Do your neighbors want to get vaccinated?|Karen Hao|January 16, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Some people with mild infections may not need to marshal a significant immune response to fend off the virus, Foxman says.
Already had COVID-19? You still need a vaccine.|Kate Baggaley|January 15, 2021|Popular-Science

Every financial institution is looking to digital transformation to meet rising customer expectations for speed and convenience, lower its operating cost, and fend off competition, including from tech companies moving into financial services.
Banks need to strike the right balance for digital transformation|Martha Leibs|January 15, 2021|MIT Technology Review
“Ordinarily, you see punch-counterpunch-punch,” as the attacked party tries to fend off the intruder, the former official said.
Obama Could Hit China to Punish North Korea|Shane Harris, Tim Mak|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But in October, the United States turned to other parts of the battle, leaving the Yazidis largely to fend for themselves.
Yazidis Face Genocide by ISIS After U.S. Turns Away|Josh Rogin|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Arkansas, Democrat Mark Pryor is trying to fend off a strong challenge from Republican Tom Cotton.
Voters Don't Care About DC's Obsessions|Eleanor Clift|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By jumping into the race, Lewis could force Emanuel to govern to the left to fend off her attacks.
Could Rahm Lose to This Infamous Union Leader?|Kathleen Geier|July 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Iraqi government had air power and resources available to rescue VIPs but left its cities under siege to fend for themselves.
The Paper Tiger of the Tigris: How ISIS Took Tikrit Without a Fight|Andrew Slater|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As soon as it awoke, the whole of the little Court was discharged; every one had to fend for himself as best he could.
The Story Of The Duchess Of Cicogne And Of Monsieur De Boulingrin|Anatole France
Old Trull and Bonney caught up the pike-poles to fend off with.
Left on Labrador|Charles Asbury Stephens
They had recently been turned loose to fend for themselves by their poor old master who was no longer able to feed them.
Mighty Mikko|Parker Fillmore
In blind distress he stumbled to his feet and shied from her with hands outspread to fend away the monstrous thing.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell
"Can't help it, Griffiths—let the weakest fend off," was the hero's reply.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXLII. Vol. LV. April, 1844|Various

British Dictionary definitions for fend

fend

/ (fɛnd) /

verb

(intr foll by for) to give support (to someone, esp oneself); provide (for)

(tr usually foll by off) to ward off or turn aside (blows, questions, attackers, etc)

(tr) archaic to defend or resist

(intr) Scot and Northern English dialect to struggle; strive

noun

Scot and Northern English dialect a shift or effort

Word Origin for fend

C13 fenden, shortened from defenden to defend

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fend

OTHER WORDS FOR fend

Origin of fend

OTHER WORDS FROM fend

Words nearby fend

MORE ABOUT FEND

What is a basic definition of fend?

Where does fend come from?

Did you know ... ?

How is fend used in real life?

Try using fend!

Words related to fend

How to use fend in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fend

Word Origin for fend