fight off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Repel an attacker or illness
Why “off”? Something unwanted is prevented from reaching or affecting you.
“She fought off a bad cold.”
“He fought off two attackers outside the shop.”
Don't confuse with
Fight off means repel an attacker or illness. Fight back means defend yourself against an attack.
Test yourself
“She fought off a bad cold.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fight back
A contrast learners often mix up
Defend yourself against an attack; Try to suppress a feeling like tears or anger
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
fend off
Same off pattern: defence
Keep someone or something at a distance
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
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