1. past tense of fend; to defend oneself or ward off something unwanted
Usage: usually used with 'off'
2. past tense of fend; to provide for oneself or manage independently
Usage: usually used with 'for'

Examples

• She fended off the attacker with her umbrella.
• He fended off questions about his personal life during the interview.
• The child fended for herself while her parents were away.
• They fended off the criticism by presenting new evidence.
• After leaving home, she had to fend for herself in the city.
• The team fended off their rivals' challenge in the final minutes.