Fend Off

Pronunciation: /fɛnd ɔf/

Definitions of fend off

verb to defend against or resist something, typically a threat or attack

Example Sentences

A1 She used a broom to fend off the stray dog.

A2 The knight had to fend off the dragon with his sword.

B1 The security guard fended off the intruders from entering the building.

B2 The immune system helps fend off infections and illnesses.

C1 The politician had to fend off tough questions during the press conference.

C2 The experienced boxer knew how to fend off his opponent's attacks effectively.

Examples of fend off in a Sentence

formal The knight used his shield to fend off the enemy's attack.

informal I had to fend off my little brother when he tried to take my phone.

slang She knows how to fend off unwanted attention at the club.

figurative I try to fend off negative thoughts by focusing on positive affirmations.

Grammatical Forms of fend off

• past tense: fended off
• plural: fend off
• comparative: more effectively fend off
• superlative: most effectively fend off
• present tense: fends off
• future tense: will fend off
• perfect tense: have fended off
• continuous tense: is fending off
• singular: fends off
• positive degree: fend off
• infinitive: to fend off
• gerund: fending off
• participle: fended off

Origin and Evolution of fend off

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The origin of the phrase 'fend off' can be traced back to Old English, where 'fendan' meant to defend or protect.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'fend off' has evolved to mean to defend against or repel something, often used in a physical sense to describe warding off an attack or threat.