I. ˈfend verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English fenden, short for defenden — more at defend
transitive verb
1. : defend , protect
fending himself from her clamor — Elizabeth M. Roberts
2.
a. : to keep off : prevent from entering or hitting : ward off : repel
raised his arm up to fend branches from his eyes
— often used with off
her policy of fending off her suitor was no good; she would have to rebuff him — Rex Ingamells
b. : to push or keep (a boat) from a shore, dock, or ship : shove — often used with off
3. dialect Britain : to provide for : support
intransitive verb
1. dialect Britain
a. : to make an effort : struggle
b. : to get along : fare
2.
a. : to look out (for oneself) : manage
parents who go out and leave their young children to fend for themselves
b. : to supply a livelihood (as for oneself) : provide
told at the age of 18 to fend for himself
three children to fend for
II. noun
( -s )
chiefly Scotland : an effort or attempt especially at self-support
he makes a good fend