Definition of fend

The word "fend" has its roots in Middle English, during the 15th century. Its original meaning, as documented in texts from that time, was "to defend" or "to protect." This original sense of the word came mainly from the French verb "fendre," which means "to split" or "to divide." However, in Middle English, the phonetics of the French word had morphed into "fenden" or "fynden," which became "fenden" and "fynden" in early Modern English. Its meaning gradually evolved from its origin. By the later part of the 15th century, "fenden" took on the connotation of defending oneself from harm or danger. It also became associated with repelling or resisting, as seen in expressions like "fending off an attack" or "fending for oneself." Today, "fend" has two primary meanings: (1) to defend or protect oneself, and (2) to stave off or cope with something, usually a difficult circumstance or challenge. The verb is also used to describe how an object or thing protects or defends itself, such as a fence "fending off" intruders or winds "fending" lawn furniture.