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

As host to dozens of European leaders over two days, Denmark will want to fend off any more unwelcome surprises in its air space.

From BBC

After helping Team Europe fend off a massive U.S. rally for a 15-13 victory Sunday, McIlroy had plenty more to say about what he witnessed from fans during the three-day event.

From Los Angeles Times

Amazon had already made some changes to its practices while trying to fend off the lawsuit, which the FTC filed in 2023 under former President Joe Biden.

From BBC

Kimmel joked that his parents brought him to the Walk of Fame as a 10-year-old and left him there to fend for himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to provide guidance and training to Western military representatives on how to fend off Russian aerial attacks as Ukrainian defence forces do on a near-nightly basis.

From 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.