fend
C1Semi-formal to informal; common in narrative and descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To try to manage without help; to defend or resist against something, especially a difficulty or attack.
To provide for one's own basic needs, especially in a context of independence or adversity; to ward off or parry (in literal and figurative senses).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a degree of effort, struggle, or resourcefulness. Most common in the phrasal verb 'fend for oneself' and the verb + particle 'fend off'. Its use as a standalone transitive verb (e.g., 'to fend a blow') is archaic or literary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The word is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of self-reliance and defensive action in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, but the difference is marginal. The phrase 'fend for yourself' is equally common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] fend for [Reflexive Pronoun] (intransitive)[Subject] fend off [Object] (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fend for yourself”
- “left to your own devices”
- “shift for yourself”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical contexts: 'The company had to fend off a hostile takeover bid.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical or sociological texts discussing self-reliance.
Everyday
Most common in everyday conversation in phrases like 'fend for yourself' (e.g., about meals, independence).
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The children were left to fend for themselves while their parents were away.
- She used an umbrella to fend off the aggressive seagull.
- He's old enough to fend for himself now.
American English
- At summer camp, you learn to fend for yourself.
- The senator fended off tough questions from the press.
- They had to fend off wild animals during the hike.
adverb
British English
- None (not standard).
American English
- None (not standard).
adjective
British English
- None (not standard).
American English
- None (not standard).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The kitten can fend for itself now.
- He fended off the dog with a stick.
- When you go to university, you must learn to fend for yourself.
- She raised her arm to fend off the blow.
- The small country struggled to fend off the economic sanctions.
- After the divorce, he was left to fend for himself emotionally and financially.
- The CEO skillfully fended off the shareholder's attempt to oust her, using a combination of charm and hard data.
- The ancient city's walls were built to fend against invaders from the north.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a friend who has to FEND for themselves – they have to DEFEND and provide for their own ENDs.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE / DEFENCE IS PHYSICAL PARRYING (e.g., fending off criticism like fending off blows).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'pretend' (притворяться). 'Fend' is not about pretending. It is closer to 'справляться' (cope), 'отбиваться' (ward off), or 'пробиваться' (manage independently). 'Fend for yourself' is best translated as 'самому о себе заботиться' or 'прокормиться'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fend' as a simple transitive verb without 'off' or 'for' (e.g., 'He fended the criticism' is incorrect; it must be 'fended off the criticism').
- Confusing 'fend' with 'defend' in all contexts. 'Fend' implies a quicker, more reactive, or less formal defence.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'fend' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively used in the phrasal verbs 'fend for oneself' and 'fend off'. The standalone transitive use ('to fend a blow') is now archaic or literary.
'Fend off' suggests a more immediate, reactive, and often successful action to keep something at bay. 'Defend against' can be broader, more prolonged, and strategic. You fend off a mosquito, but defend a country against invasion.
Yes, it often implies desirable independence, resilience, and capability, as in 'It's good for teenagers to learn to fend for themselves.' However, it can also imply neglect, as in 'The orphans were left to fend for themselves.'
No, there is no commonly used noun form. The related noun is 'fender' (a guard or buffer, like on a car or fireplace), but its meaning is quite distinct.