fend
UK: fɛnd | US: fɛnd
vt. to ward off or defend against (e.g., danger, blows)
vi. to resist or manage independently (often used with "for oneself")
The word "fend" traces back to Old English fēndan, meaning "to defend or ward off." It shares roots with Latin defendere (de- "off" + fendere "to strike"), reflecting its core idea of repelling harm. Over time, it narrowed to emphasize self-reliance ("fend for oneself") while retaining its defensive connotation.
She used an umbrella to fend off the aggressive seagulls.
As a teenager, he learned to fend for himself after his parents moved away.
The boxer raised his arms to fend his opponent’s punches.
Wild animals often fend against predators with sharp claws.
The village built a wall to fend off invaders.