SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

fend for oneself

idiom

Definition of fend for oneself

: to do things without help : to do basic activities by oneself

They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away.

He's been fending for himself since his wife died.

Word by Word Definitions

fend play

: defend
: to keep or ward off : repel
: to provide for : support

: an effort or attempt especially for oneself

See the full definition of fend

oneself play

: a person's self : one's own self
: one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self

See the full definition of oneself

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up fend for oneself? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

play

to lower or disgrace the reputation of

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

alt-5ad8d3361fb97

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

Syn City

Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.

Play the game