fend

fend off

verb

Definition of FEND

to drive back <several bystanders rushed to help the woman fend off the mugger>

Synonyms beat off, fend (off), rebut, repulse, stave off, turn away, turn back

Related Words defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurn

Near Antonyms embrace, hail, welcome