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Definition of fend

fend

/fɛnd/
fend
Past Simple:fended
•
Past Participle:fended
•
Present Participle:fending
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fend Lexical Profile

fend Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To look after and provide for oneself without assistance from others (usually followed by 'for').

Example

"Once the young birds leave the nest, they must quickly learn to fend for themselves in the wild."

2

To defend oneself from or ward off a blow, attack, or unwelcome attention (usually used with 'off').

Example

"The spokesperson had to fend off a series of pointed questions from journalists during the press conference."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fend
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fend

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern English, 'fend' rarely stands alone and is almost exclusively used in the fixed constructions 'fend for oneself' (to manage independently) and 'fend off' (to repel or ward off).

• Rhymes for fend

• Nearby Words

fencesitter
fencewire
fencing
fend
fender
fenderless
fenestraria

Word Origin & Etymology

Middle English, shortened from 'defend', which came via Old French from the Latin verb 'defendere' (to ward off or protect).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fend
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