Fend off
verb
To prevent something unpleasant from affecting you, or to stop someone from attacking you.
She managed to fend off her attacker by kicking him in the stomach.
Often appears as...
- fend off an attack
- fend off a disease
verb
To avoid or neglect something.
They've been trying to fend off questions about their plans.
Often appears as...
- fend off questions
- fend off suggestions
verb
To reject someone's romantic or sexual advances.
She's been fending off his advances for years.
Often appears as...
- fend off advances
- fend off suitors
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To prevent something unpleasant from affecting you, or to stop someone from attacking you.
She managed to fend off her attacker by kicking him in the stomach.
Often appears as...
- fend off an attack
- fend off a disease
verb
To avoid or neglect something.
They've been trying to fend off questions about their plans.
Often appears as...
- fend off questions
- fend off suggestions
verb
To reject someone's romantic or sexual advances.
She's been fending off his advances for years.
Often appears as...
- fend off advances
- fend off suitors
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Defense
Use 'fend off' when you physically push away danger or attacks.
The boxer trained to fend off blows quickly.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Resilience
It can mean staying strong against negative thoughts or influences.
He fended off the temptation to give up.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
Sometimes, it's about keeping yourself removed from emotional harm.
She had to fend off feelings of loneliness.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Defense
Use 'fend off' when you physically push away danger or attacks.
The boxer trained to fend off blows quickly.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Resilience
It can mean staying strong against negative thoughts or influences.
He fended off the temptation to give up.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
Sometimes, it's about keeping yourself removed from emotional harm.
She had to fend off feelings of loneliness.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Defense
Use 'fend off' when you physically push away danger or attacks.
The boxer trained to fend off blows quickly.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Resilience
It can mean staying strong against negative thoughts or influences.
He fended off the temptation to give up.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
Sometimes, it's about keeping yourself removed from emotional harm.
She had to fend off feelings of loneliness.
Never forget "Fend off"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension