fight off

USAGE SUMMARY

"fight off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to mean to successfully resist or defend against an unwelcome attack, person, or situation. For example: "The security guards fought off the intruders and kept the museum safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It'll fight off the boredom.

The New Yorker

Even then, a fit person may fight off an infection.

Independent

Hyaluronan probably isn't the only way to fight off cancer.

The New York Times - Science

Mr Larijani may fight off those who want his head.

The Economist

The prisoners huddled together for days to fight off hypothermia.

The New York Times

But it had to fight off strong competitors.

The Economist

Most healthy adults can fight off such infections.

The New York Times

The stag's antlers are there to fight off other stags.

The Economist

You just try to fight off the tears".

The New York Times

But Winfield ought to fight off the bottom-line twitch.

The New York Times - Sports

St . Louis however, will soon have to fight off predators.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health, consider using "fight off" to describe the body's natural defenses against illness. For example: "A healthy immune system helps you fight off infections."

Common error

Avoid using "fight off" when describing a situation where resistance is impossible or not actively occurring. It's more appropriate for scenarios involving active opposition or defense. Don't say "The problem was fought off by itself"; instead, say "The problem resolved itself".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fight off" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of resistance or defense. Ludwig confirms this use through numerous examples demonstrating its application in contexts ranging from physical conflicts to battling illnesses. The basic meaning is to repel or resist an attack.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fight off" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of resisting or defending against something undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While it is suitable for most situations, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings. Remember to use "fight off" to describe situations where active resistance is involved and to avoid using it in passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repel

Focuses on pushing something away, often an attack or unwanted advance, with a slightly more formal tone.

resist

Emphasizes the act of withstanding or opposing something, be it a force, an urge, or a disease.

ward off

Suggests preventing something from affecting you, often used in the context of illnesses or bad luck.

fend off

Implies defending against an attack or intrusion, often with a sense of difficulty.

stave off

Indicates delaying or preventing something negative from happening, typically for a limited time.

hold off

Suggests delaying or postponing something, often an action or decision, or resisting an advance.

beat back

Implies forcefully repelling an attack or opponent.

withstand

Highlights the ability to endure or resist something strong or persistent.

counteract

Emphasizes neutralizing the effects of something, often a negative influence.

rebuff

Refers to rejecting or turning down something abruptly, often an offer or advance.

FAQs

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

You can use "fight off" to describe resisting an attack, illness, or other negative force. For example, "The country managed to fight off the invasion" or "He's trying to fight off a cold".

What's a good alternative to "fight off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "resist", "repel", or "ward off".

Is "fight off" formal or informal?

"Fight off" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more elevated alternative like "repel".

What does it mean to "fight off" an illness?

To "fight off" an illness means to actively resist or overcome it, usually through the body's natural immune response or with the help of medication. This is different from simply enduring the illness; it implies an active struggle against it.