fend off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To defend against or repel something unwanted: To actively keep something, such as an attack, a question, or an unwanted advance, from reaching or affecting you. 2. To ward off or avert: To prevent something undesirable from happening or succeeding.
Usage
The verb "fend off" is transitive and requires a direct object. It describes an active, often defensive, effort to stop something. It is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
Examples
- The goalkeeper managed to fend off every shot on goal. (To repel a physical attack)
- She used an umbrella to fend off the aggressive seagulls. (To defend against an animal attack)
- The company issued a statement to fend off rumors of a takeover. (To repel negative information or speculation)
- He skillfully fended off the reporters' difficult questions. (To deflect or avoid verbal challenges)
Advanced Usage
- "Fend off" can imply a sustained or repeated effort against persistent pressure.
- For years, the small nation fended off invasions from its more powerful neighbors.
Variants and Related Words
- Fend (for oneself): To look after and provide for oneself without help from others.
- When his parents were away, the boy had to fend for himself.
Synonyms
- Repel: To drive or force back.
- Ward off: To prevent someone or something from harming or affecting you.
- Parry: To ward off a weapon or blow, or to skillfully avoid a question.
- Deflect: To cause something to change direction, or to avoid dealing with something directly.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Fight off: To resist something by fighting against it. This is very close in meaning but often implies a more aggressive or intense struggle.
- She tried to fight off the infection with antibiotics.
Related Idioms
- Hold at bay: To prevent someone or something dangerous from coming too close or attacking.
- The firefighters held the flames at bay until reinforcements arrived.
Verb
- prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
- Let's avoid a confrontation
- head off a confrontation
- avert a strike