fend off
phrasal verb
fended off; fending off; fends off
: to defend oneself against (someone or something)
They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers.
They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.
Examples of fend off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like Valadao, Calvert has fended off strong Democratic challenges in recent elections.
—
Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is the favorite to win a fourth term, but will have to fend off challenges from four other candidates including Simone Ggbagbo, the ex-wife of former President Laurent Ggbagbo, who was barred from running in the polls.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The trio live their days fending off supernatural threats in between selling out stadium tours and topping music charts.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Christopher was badly beaten by the two men, later identified as Berry and Thomas, but was able to fend off the attackers, who subsequently fled the scene.
—Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fend off
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Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is the favorite to win a fourth term, but will have to fend off challenges from four other candidates including Simone Ggbagbo, the ex-wife of former President Laurent Ggbagbo, who was barred from running in the polls.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The trio live their days fending off supernatural threats in between selling out stadium tours and topping music charts.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Christopher was badly beaten by the two men, later identified as Berry and Thomas, but was able to fend off the attackers, who subsequently fled the scene.
—Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fend off
Cite this Entry
“Fend off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fend%20off. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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