Fend: meaning, definitions and examples

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fend

 

[ fɛnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

provide, support, sustain.

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

Translations of the word "fend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defender

🇮🇳 रक्षा करना

🇩🇪 abwehren

🇮🇩 melindungi

🇺🇦 захищати

🇵🇱 bronić

🇯🇵 守る (mamoru)

🇫🇷 défendre

🇪🇸 defender

🇹🇷 savunmak

🇰🇷 방어하다 (bang-eohada)

🇸🇦 يدافع (yudafi'u)

🇨🇿 bránit

🇸🇰 brániť

🇨🇳 防御 (fángyù)

🇸🇮 braniti

🇮🇸 vernda

🇰🇿 қорғау

🇬🇪 დაცვის (datsvitsi)

🇦🇿 müdafiə etmək

🇲🇽 defender

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,786, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.