fend

/fend/

Definitions

1. verb

to defend or protect oneself or something from harm, attack, or criticism

“She tried to fend off the dog with a stick.”

2. noun

a defense or protection against something

“The fence provides a fend from wild animals.”

3. verb

to prevent or stop something from happening

“The doctor tried to fend off the disease with antibiotics.”

Synonyms

  • defend
  • protect

Antonyms

  • expose
  • vulnerabilize