to hold someone or something off; to fight someone or something off.
What does fend off mean?
: to defend oneself against (someone or something) They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers. They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.
How do you use fend off?
prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening.
- He managed to fend off his attackers with a stick.
- He was able to fend off the blow with his arm.
- The minister had to fend off some awkward questions.
- Somehow she managed to fend off the awkward questions.
- He raised his hand to fend off the blow.
