fend
[verb]
Synonyms: defend, bulwark, cover, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward, deflect, parry

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

fend /fend/ verb
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: defend]
fend for yourself to look after yourself without needing help from other people:
The kids had to fend for themselves while their parents were away.
fend somebody/something off phrasal verb

1. to defend yourself against someone who is attacking you Synonym : fight somebody ↔ off:
Tabitha threw up an arm to fend her attacker off.

2. to defend yourself from something such as difficult questions, competition, or a situation you do not want to deal with:
She uses her secretary to fend off unwanted phone calls.
The company managed to fend off the hostile takeover bid.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

fend
verb PHRASAL VERBS fend for yourself
VERB + FEND be able to | be left to, have to The children were left to fend for themselves.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲