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fend
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1fend

verb \ˈfend\

Definition of FEND

transitive verb
1
: defend
2
: to keep or ward off : repel —often used with off <fend off an invader>
3
dialect British : to provide for : support
intransitive verb
1
dialect British : to make an effort : struggle
2
a : to try to get along without help : shift <had to fend for themselves>
b : to provide a livelihood
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Examples of FEND

  1. <uses self-deprecating humor to fend herself from serious criticism>

Origin of FEND

Middle English fenden, short for defenden
First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FEND

Synonyms
bulwark, cover, fence, defend, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward
Antonyms
assail, assault, attack

Rhymes with FEND

bend, blend, blende, end, friend, lend, mend, rend, scend, send, shend, spend, tend, trend, vend, wend, Wend

2fend

noun

Definition of FEND

chiefly Scottish
: an effort or attempt especially for oneself

First Known Use of FEND

1721

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