fend off

USAGE SUMMARY

"fend off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean defend against or repel an unwelcome or undesired force or situation. For example: "The police were able to fend off the attackers long enough to protect the crowd from harm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They deployed QE to fend off deflation.

The Economist

(Well) Walnuts may fend off diabetes.

The New York Times

If only it could fend off paparazzi.

The New York Times

Until then he must fend off competition.

The Economist

That should, for now, fend off social unrest.

The Economist

The toxic concentrations help plants fend off predators.

The New York Times - Science

It should use that credibility to fend off weakness now.

The Economist

Governments must steel themselves to fend off protectionist lobbies.

The Economist

But the weaker dollar will help to fend off deflation.

The Economist

That might fend off the discounters for a bit.

The Economist

Anderson could only fend off Johnson to short leg.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fend off" to describe active efforts to protect against a specific threat or undesirable situation. For example, businesses "fend off" competition through innovation.

Common error

Avoid using "fend off" when describing a situation where resistance is absent. The phrase implies an active defense, not simply an avoidance or ignorance of a problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fend off" primarily functions as a verb of action, indicating an effort to repel, defend, or ward off something undesirable. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies actively preventing something negative from affecting a person, object, or situation. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from politics to personal health.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "fend off" is a versatile term used to describe the act of repelling or defending against something undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, science, and business contexts, signifying active resistance or defense. While alternatives like "ward off" and "repel" exist, "fend off" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. Remember to use it in situations where active defense is implied, avoiding its misuse in passive contexts. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application in various scenarios, showcasing its role in conveying proactive measures against potential threats.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ward off

Replaces "fend" with "ward", offering a slightly more traditional or formal tone.

repel

Focuses on the action of driving something back or away.

deflect

Highlights the act of turning something aside, often used in a figurative sense.

resist

Emphasizes the act of withstanding or opposing something.

counter

Implies taking action to neutralize or oppose something.

prevent

Focuses on stopping something from happening in the first place.

hold back

Suggests restraining or preventing something from advancing.

keep at bay

Indicates maintaining a distance to avoid a negative impact.

stave off

Emphasizes delaying or postponing something undesirable.

fight off

Highlights the struggle involved in resisting something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fend off" to describe actions taken to defend against something. For example, "The company launched a new marketing campaign to "fend off" new competitors".

What can I say instead of "fend off"?

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

Which is correct, "fend off" or "fend on"?

"Fend off" is the correct phrasal verb to use when you mean to defend against or repel something. "Fend on" is not a recognized phrase with a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "fend off" and "prevent"?

"Fend off" implies actively defending against something that is already happening or threatening to happen. "Prevent" means to stop something from occurring in the first place.