fends
|fends|
/fɛndz/
(fend)
defend or protect
Etymology
'fend' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'fendan', where the root meant 'to strike off, drive away'.
'fend' changed from the Old English verb 'fendan' into Middle English forms such as 'fenden' and eventually became the modern English 'fend'.
Initially, it meant 'to strike or drive away', but over time it evolved into its current senses of 'ward off' and 'manage/cope'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to ward off, repel, or keep away (usually something harmful or unwanted).
She fends off the aggressive questions with a laugh.
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Verb 2
to take care of, provide for, or manage (often used with 'for' as in 'fend for oneself').
Since he moved out, he fends for himself.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 03:59