Fend — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈfend/

Meaning & Definition of Fend

Fend (verb)

  1. defend
  2. to keep or ward off, repel —often used with off
  3. to provide for, support

Fend (noun)

  1. an effort or attempt especially for oneself

Fend (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to drive danger or attack away from

    "learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism"

    similar: bulwark, cover, defend, fence, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward, stand up for
    related: avert, prevent, oppose, resist, withstand, battle, contend, fight, war, conserve, preserve, save, buffer, palisade, picket, wall
    opposite: assail, assault, attack
    near: bombard, storm, beset, besiege, overrun, capitulate, cave, submit, yield

Related Entry: Fend (off) (verb)

Fend (off) is a different word from Fend. The synonyms below are for fend (off), not for fend.

  1. to drive back

    "the herd fended off attacking hyenas"

    similar: beat off, rebut, repel, repulse, stave off, turn away, turn back
    related: defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand, deflect, ward (off), rebuff, snub, spurn
    near: embrace, hail, welcome

Related Entry: Fend for oneself (phrase)

Fend for oneself is a different word from Fend. The synonyms below are for fend for oneself, not for fend.

  1. to meet one's day-to-day needs

    "She knew she would have to fend for herself if she went away to college instead of staying at home."

    similar: cope, do, fare, get along, get by, get on, make out, manage, shift, make do, make ends meet, make shift
    related: carry on, contrive, scrape (by or through), scrounge, last, survive, eke out, scrape (out), squeeze, wrest, wring, afford, swing
    near: collapse, fail, fall short, fizzle, flounder, decline, peter (out), slump, wane, give up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fend

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fend:

bulwark, cover, defend, fence, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward, stand up for

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fend

Words with the opposite meaning of Fend:

assail, assault, attack

Related Words for Fend

avert, prevent, oppose, resist, withstand, battle, contend, fight, war, conserve, preserve, save, buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms of Fend

bombard, storm, beset, besiege, overrun, capitulate, cave, submit, yield

Word Forms of Fend

Inflections: fended, fending, fends

Origin & Etymology of Fend

Middle English fenden, short for defenden "to defend"

First known use: 14th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Fend

fend for oneself, fend off

Frequently Asked Questions about Fend

What does "Fend" mean?

"Fend" means defend. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: defend.

What is another word for "Fend"?

Other words for "Fend" include bulwark, cover, defend, fence, forfend, guard, keep and protect. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fend" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fend"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fend". Common alternatives include bulwark, cover, defend, fence, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard and screen.

What is the opposite of "Fend"?

Antonyms of "Fend" include assail, assault and attack. Near antonyms include bombard, storm, beset and besiege.

How do you use "Fend" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fend" in a sentence: "learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism".

Is "Fend" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fend" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Fend"?

"Fend" is pronounced /ˈfend/.

What is the origin of the word "Fend"?

"Fend" comes from Middle English fenden, short for defenden "to defend". First known use: 14th centuryt.