Is 'fight off' separable?

No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'off' (e.g., fight off an attacker, not fight an attacker off).

Can 'fight off' be used for non-physical things?

Yes, it's very commonly used metaphorically for illnesses, feelings, temptations, and abstract threats like takeover bids.

What's the difference between 'fight off' and 'fight back'?

'Fight off' emphasizes successful defense or repelling. 'Fight back' emphasizes a counter-attack or retaliatory action.

Is it a formal or informal expression?

It is neutral and acceptable in most registers, from everyday conversation to academic or business writing.

How do you pronounce “fight off”?

Fight off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

fight off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈfaɪt ɒf/US/ˈfaɪt ɔːf/

Neutral - common in both spoken and written English.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “fight off” mean?

to defend oneself against an attack, or to resist or repel something unwanted.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

to defend oneself against an attack, or to resist or repel something unwanted.

To struggle successfully against an opponent, an illness, a feeling (like sleep), or an unwanted offer.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor regional variations in typical collocates (e.g., 'fight off the flu' vs. 'fight off a cold') are not systematic.

Connotations

Similar connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Comparable frequency in both BrE and AmE.

Grammar

How to Use “fight off” in a Sentence

Subject + fight off + Direct Object (e.g., She fought off the attacker.)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

fight off an attackfight off infectionfight off a coldfight off the flufight off invaders

medium

fight off sleepfight off depressionfight off fatiguefight off a takeover bid

weak

fight off hungerfight off boredomfight off temptationfight off a feeling

Examples

Examples of “fight off” in a Sentence

verb

British English

She had to fight off the enthusiastic fans to reach her car.
He's been trying to fight off that dreadful cold all week.

American English

The soldiers fought off the ambush using the terrain to their advantage.
I need a snack to fight off this afternoon slump.

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

American English

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

"The company is fighting off a hostile takeover bid from its largest competitor."

Academic

"The patient's immune system was strong enough to fight off the pathogen."

Everyday

"I drank some strong coffee to fight off my tiredness during the long drive."

Technical

"The new coating helps the material fight off corrosion."

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “fight off”

Strong

repulsebeat backdrive backthwart

Neutral

repel resistdefend againstward off

Weak

hold backkeep at baystave off combat

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “fight off”

succumb togive in toaccept embrace

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “fight off”

Incorrect: 'He fought off against the illness.' Correct: 'He fought off the illness.'
Incorrect: 'She couldn't fight off from the feeling.' Correct: 'She couldn't fight off the feeling.'

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'off' (e.g., fight off an attacker, not fight an attacker off).
: Yes, it's very commonly used metaphorically for illnesses, feelings, temptations, and abstract threats like takeover bids.
: 'Fight off' emphasizes successful defense or repelling. 'Fight back' emphasizes a counter-attack or retaliatory action.
: It is neutral and acceptable in most registers, from everyday conversation to academic or business writing.
: to defend oneself against an attack, or to resist or repel something unwanted.
: Fight off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪt ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Fight off sleep like a heavyweight boxer.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine physically PUSHING someone OFF you in a FIGHT. 'Fight OFF' means to push an unwanted thing away.

Conceptual Metaphor

UNWANTED THINGS ARE ATTACKERS/INVADERS (e.g., germs, sleep, feelings).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Despite feeling exhausted, she managed to sleep and finish her report.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'fight off' LEAST appropriate?