1. to defend oneself against attack or harm
2. to take care of oneself without help from others
Usage: often used with ‘for’
3. to keep away or repel something unwanted
Usage: often used with ‘off’

Examples

• She used her umbrella to fend off the attacking dog.
• After losing his job, he had to fend for himself.
• The children learned to fend for themselves while their parents worked.
• He raised his arms to fend off the blow.
• The spray helps fend off mosquitoes and other insects.
• She had to fend off questions from reporters.
• The young bird must learn to fend for itself.