Library / English Dictionary

FEND

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Withstand the force of something

Example:

The mountain climbers had to fend against the ice and snow

Synonyms:

fend; resist; stand

Classified under:

Verbs of fighting, athletic activities

Hypernyms (to "fend" is one way to...):

defend; fight; fight back; fight down; oppose (fight against or resist strongly)

Verb group:

remain firm; stand (hold one's ground; maintain a position; be steadfast or upright)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

fender (a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact)

fender (a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud)

fender (a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth)

fender (an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Try to manage without help

Example:

The youngsters had to fend for themselves after their parents died

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "fend" is one way to...):

contend; cope; deal; get by; grapple; make do; make out; manage (succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s PP

Credits