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
Ukraine is struggling to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield and intensifying missile and drone attacks on its cities as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting, now in its fourth year, have faltered.
—
USA Today, 29 June 2025
For months now, BP has sought to fend off a prospective takeover by restoring investor confidence.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 June 2025
In effect, the 340B Program gives eligible entities a substantial financial advantage, creating a deep moat that fends off competitors.
—Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Arab countries that helped fend off previous Iranian attacks across their airspace may be less inclined to do so this time.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fend off
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
USA Today, 29 June 2025
For months now, BP has sought to fend off a prospective takeover by restoring investor confidence.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 June 2025
In effect, the 340B Program gives eligible entities a substantial financial advantage, creating a deep moat that fends off competitors.
—Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Arab countries that helped fend off previous Iranian attacks across their airspace may be less inclined to do so this time.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 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 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share