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View synonyms for fend

fend

[ fend ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to ward off (often followed by off ):

    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. intrfoll byfor to give support (to someone, esp oneself); provide (for)
  2. trusually foll byoff 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

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Other Words From

  • un·fended adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of fend1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of fend1

C13 fenden , shortened from defenden to defend

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Example Sentences

“Ordinarily, you see punch-counterpunch-punch,” as the attacked party tries to fend off the intruder, the former official said.

But in October, the United States turned to other parts of the battle, leaving the Yazidis largely to fend for themselves.

In Arkansas, Democrat Mark Pryor is trying to fend off a strong challenge from Republican Tom Cotton.

By jumping into the race, Lewis could force Emanuel to govern to the left to fend off her attacks.

The Iraqi government had air power and resources available to rescue VIPs but left its cities under siege to fend for themselves.

As soon as it awoke, the whole of the little Court was discharged; every one had to fend for himself as best he could.

Old Trull and Bonney caught up the pike-poles to fend off with.

They had recently been turned loose to fend for themselves by their poor old master who was no longer able to feed them.

In blind distress he stumbled to his feet and shied from her with hands outspread to fend away the monstrous thing.

"Can't help it, Griffiths—let the weakest fend off," was the hero's reply.

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