fend off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Keep someone or something at a distance
Why “off”? Something unwanted is prevented from reaching or affecting you.
“He fended off the questions skilfully.”
“She fended off reporters at the gate.”
Test yourself
“He fended off the questions skilfully.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
brush off
Same off pattern: defence
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely
drive off
Same off pattern: defence
Leave by car; Force back by attacking
fight off
Same off pattern: defence
Repel an attacker or illness
put off
Same off pattern: defence
Delay or postpone; Discourage or repel
scare off
Same off pattern: defence
Make someone or something leave because they are afraid
see off
Same off pattern: defence
Repel a rival successfully
shake off
Same off pattern: defence
Escape from someone who is following you
shrug off
Same off pattern: defence
Treat something as unimportant
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