verb
fend
FEHND
verb
1
To look after or provide for oneself, without relying on others.
"After his parents passed, he had to fend for himself at sixteen."
2
To ward off or push away, usually with "off."
"She fended off three takeover bids in as many years."
How to Use Fend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take care of yourself, or to block/deflect something unwanted.
Common pairings
fend for yourself
fend off an attack
fend off questions
Word Forms
fended past tense, fends plural, fends singular
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After his parents passed, he had to _____ for himself at sixteen.
Etymology
A shortened form of Middle English "defenden" ("to defend"), from Latin defendo.