Fend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก๏ธ
fend
[fษnd ]
Definitions
protect oneself
To fend means to defend or protect oneself from a danger or unwanted situation. It often implies taking action to prevent harm or intrusion from an external source.
Synonyms
defend, guard, protect, ward off.
Examples of usage
- She had to fend off the aggressive stray dog.
- He managed to fend for himself after his parents moved away.
- The knight had to fend off many attackers during the battle.
manage livelihood
Fend can also refer to providing for oneself, especially when discussing survival or making ends meet. This usage is often found in the phrase 'fend for oneself'.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- After his parents passed away, he learned to fend for himself.
- It's important to know how to fend for yourself in tough situations.
- Moving to a new city can be challenging, but you have to fend for yourself.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many tales, characters must fend for themselves in challenging situations, highlighting their independence and resilience.
- The theme of fending off dangers is common in heroic literature, where protagonists battle against overwhelming odds.
- Famous literary characters often embody the spirit of 'fending' by overcoming adversity, such as in classic adventures and survival stories.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'fend for yourself' is widely used in media, indicating someone must take care of their own needs without help.
- In superhero movies, characters frequently use their abilities to fend off villains, showcasing strength and bravery.
- The term appears frequently in music and film as a metaphor for coping with life's challenges and standing strong.
Psychology
- Fending off negative thoughts is a common psychological technique used in cognitive behavioral therapy.
- The ability to fend off stressors is linked to resilience, showing how individuals cope with pressure in healthy ways.
- People who effectively fend off distractions tend to perform better in tasks that require focus and attention.
Common Usage
- 'Fend off' is often used in phrases concerning physical and emotional defense, such as 'fending off illness' or 'fending off bullies'.
- The expression is applicable in both literal contexts, like protecting oneself from animals, and figurative ones, like managing stress or anxiety.
- People often share strategies on how to fend off procrastination in productivity discussions.
Origin of 'fend'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'fendan', which means 'to defend' or 'to ward off'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'fandjan', which also means 'to defend' or 'to protect'.
- The meaning of 'fend' has remained consistent over centuries, emphasizing protection and resistance.
The word 'fend' originates from the Middle English word 'fenden', which derives from the Old English 'fendan', meaning 'to defend or protect'. This term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic '*fandan', which implies the act of striking or defending. Over time, the usage of 'fend' has evolved, but its core meaning related to protection and self-defense remained intact. It is often used in different contexts, such as personal safety and self-sufficiency. In modern usage, the word is frequently associated with idiomatic expressions like 'fend for oneself', highlighting the necessity of autonomy and self-provision in challenging circumstances.