Main Entry:

¹fend

Pronunciation:

\ˈfend\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English fenden, short for defenden

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: defend2: to keep or ward off : repel —often used with off<fend off an invader>3dialect British : to provide for : supportintransitive verb1dialect British : to make an effort : struggle2 a: to try to get along without help : shift <had to fend for themselves> b: to provide a livelihood