verb (used with object)
1.
to ward off (often followed by off ): to fend off blows.
2.
to defend.
verb (used without object)
3.
to resist or make defense: to fend against poverty.
4.
to parry; fence.
5.
to shift; provide: to fend for oneself.
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Fend
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
Related forms
un·fend·ed, adjective
Synonyms
5. manage, make out, get along.
5. manage, make out, get along.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To fend
Collins
World English Dictionary
fend (fɛnd) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb (foll by for) (usually foll by off) | |
| 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 (Scot), (Northern English) (intr) to struggle; strive |
| —n | |
| 5. | dialect (Scot), (Northern English) a shift or effort |
| [C13 fenden, shortened from defenden to | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
fend
c.1300, shortening of defend. To fend for oneself (1620s) is to see to one's own defense. Related: Fended; fending.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Even where the government or aid agencies are present, the help is patchy at best, with many left to fend for themselves.
In the summertime they leave them out on the range to fend for themselves and graze.
In this deep recession only the government can prop up demand and fend off economic disaster.
The matter is further obscured by the nature of the threats they aim to fend off.
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