fend it off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fend it off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of defending oneself against something unwanted or harmful, such as an attack or an unwanted situation. Example: "She had to fend it off when the aggressive dog approached her in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They know Ragnarök is coming, but are incapable of imagining any way to fend it off, or change the story.

The Guardian - Books

Having accepted the justification in this case, the court is less well equipped to fend it off in the future.

The New York Times

Another time a huge snake swam right up to my canoe, reared up out of the water and I had to fend it off with my paddle.

The Guardian - Travel

She was bumped on the bend but thrust out her arm to fend it off and began the home straight in third place.

The Guardian - Sport

That Mr. Friedman shows Mathias both inviting drunken oblivion and struggling to fend it off is a shrewd mirroring of the character's desperate striving to hold on to his psychic balance.

The New York Times

In Haig's early weeks as chief of staff, he seemed to do little more than meet each development as it came along and fend it off as best he could.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But Williams fended it off with a cocksure backhand winner.

The New York Times

This time Djokovic fended it off with a reflexive chop that kept the ball in play.

The New York Times

By fending it off, Republicans held on to crucial support from evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics.

The New York Times

He fends it off sarcastically when you ask him why he doesn't want to die.

The Guardian

"Nothing," he said, waving at the question in a way that suggested he'd fended it off several times already.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fend it off" when you want to convey a sense of actively defending against something, whether it's a physical attack, an unwanted advance, or a negative influence.

Common error

While "fend it off" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "repel", "resist", or "counter" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fend it off" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action to repel or defend against something. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, supporting its role as an active defense mechanism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fend it off" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of defending against something unwanted or harmful. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with neutral formality and is a common phrase. Alternatives like "repel it" or "ward it off" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. When writing, remember to use this phrase to convey active defense, and be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repel it

Focuses on forceful resistance and pushing something away.

ward it off

Implies preventing something from approaching or affecting you.

hold it back

Suggests restraining or preventing progress or advance.

fight it off

Emphasizes active struggle and opposition.

resist it

Highlights the act of withstanding or opposing something.

counter it

Focuses on acting against something to neutralize its effect.

deflect it

Suggests turning something aside from its intended course.

rebuff it

Indicates a blunt or abrupt rejection or resistance.

withstand it

Emphasizes enduring or resisting the force or impact of something.

keep it at bay

Implies maintaining a safe distance to prevent harm or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "fend it off" in a sentence?

You can use "fend it off" to describe the act of defending against something unwanted. For example, "She had to fend it off when the aggressive dog approached her in the park."

What can I say instead of "fend it off"?

You can use alternatives like "repel it", "ward it off", or "resist it" depending on the context.

Is "fend it off" formal or informal?

"Fend it off" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for news articles, general writing and conversations, but might be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "fend it off" and "fight it off"?

"Fend it off" implies a defensive action, whereas "fight it off" suggests a more active and engaged struggle against something. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you wish to convey.