Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To defend against or ward off something, typically an attack, a blow, or an unwanted advance.
   • To resist or withstand the force or impact of something.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To provide for or support oneself, especially in a challenging or independent situation.

Usage

• As a transitive verb: Used with a direct object to indicate the act of pushing away or resisting something.
• As an intransitive verb: Used in the phrase "fend for oneself" to indicate managing one's own needs without assistance.

Examples

• Transitive use:
  • She used a stick to fend off the aggressive dog.
  • The politician tried to fend questions about the scandal.
• Intransitive use (in the phrase "fend for"):
  • After moving out, he had to learn to fend for himself.
  • The young birds must soon fend for themselves.

Advanced Usage

• "fend off": This is the most common phrasal verb form. It specifically means to defend against or keep something undesirable at bay.
  • He raised his arm to fend off the blow.
  • The company took measures to fend off a hostile takeover.

Variants and Related Words

• Fender (noun): A guard or cushion against impact (e.g., a car fender) or a device on a vehicle that protects it.
• Defend (verb): A more general and common synonym from which "fend" is historically derived.

Synonyms

• Ward off: To prevent something from harming or affecting you.
• Repel: To drive or force back.
• Parry: To ward off a weapon or blow.
• Manage (for oneself): To cope or get along independently.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fend off: To defend against or repel something.
  • The goalkeeper fended off the powerful shot.
• Fend for oneself: To take care of oneself without help.
  • Orphaned at an early age, she learned to fend for herself.

Related Idioms

• To fend and prove: An archaic legal phrase meaning to defend and maintain (a right, claim, etc.). (Note: This is very rare in modern usage.)
• Left to fend for oneself: Abandoned or forced to manage independently.
  • When the guide disappeared, the hikers were left to fend for themselves.

Verb

1. withstand the force of something
   • The trees resisted her
   • stand the test of time
   • The mountain climbers had to fend against the ice and snow
2. try to manage without help
   • The youngsters had to fend for themselves after their parents died