v. 25B6; verb they were unable to fend off the invasion : WARD OFF, head off, stave off, hold off, repel, repulse, resist, fight off, defend oneself against, prevent, stop, block, intercept, hold back.
25A0; fend for oneself TAKE CARE OF ONESELF, look after oneself, provide for oneself, shift for oneself, manage by oneself, cope alone, stand on one's own two feet.