fend

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

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

Related Words: avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms: bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

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Rhymes with FEND

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