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

After drinking a lot of alcohol - which many students will be doing to overcome nerves - your body produces fewer white blood cells, which help to fight off infections.

From BBC

His donation doesn’t just buy his father time but offers hope that Stephen’s stem cells will build a newer, stronger immune system that will help his father fight off blood cancer.

From Los Angeles Times

The 27-year-old furiously fought off Pegula's attempts to break back and let out a huge roar after wrapping up the victory on her third match point.

From BBC

The Dodgers’ ability to at least foul off two-strike pitches — they fought off 15 in all — at least got him out of the game after six innings.

From Los Angeles Times

The Queen is said to have fought off her attacker using the heel of her shoe.

From BBC