fend off
phrasal verb
fended off; fending off; fends off
: to defend oneself against (someone or something)
They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers.
They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.
Examples of fend off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thankfully, Mikkelsen’s grizzled nonchalance and Fuller’s tonal approach fend off sappiness.
—
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
In Albuquerque, incumbent Democratic Mayor Tim Keller is seeking to fend off a challenge from Republican Darren White, a former sheriff, in his race for a third term.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2025
MacKinnon scored a beautiful overtime goal, his second of the game, to help the Colorado Avalanche fend off Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video from a neighboring hotel showed Sanchez grabbing and throwing Tole into an alleyway, who pepper-sprayed and then stabbed Sanchez to fend off the attack, according to court documents.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fend off
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Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
In Albuquerque, incumbent Democratic Mayor Tim Keller is seeking to fend off a challenge from Republican Darren White, a former sheriff, in his race for a third term.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2025
MacKinnon scored a beautiful overtime goal, his second of the game, to help the Colorado Avalanche fend off Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video from a neighboring hotel showed Sanchez grabbing and throwing Tole into an alleyway, who pepper-sprayed and then stabbed Sanchez to fend off the attack, according to court documents.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fend off
Cite this Entry
“Fend off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fend%20off. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
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