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fend off

 - 2 dictionary results

fend

[fend]
–verb (used with object)
1. to ward off (often fol. 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.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME fenden, aph. var. of defenden to defend


5. manage, make out, get along.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

fend 
c.1300, shortening of defend. To fend for oneself (1629) is to see to one's own defense.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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