Definition of fend off

The word "fend off" is a phrasal verb that combines the preposition "off" with the verb "fend." The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the Middle English word "fenden," which means "to defend" or "to protect." In the 14th century, the word "fenden" was used primarily in the sense of defending oneself against an aggressor or threat. As the English language evolved, the phrase "fend off" emerged as a way to describe actively defending oneself against a specific threat, whether it be physical, emotional, or intellectual. By the 16th century, the phrase appeared in written works, and by the 18th century, it appeared regularly in popular literature. In the modern usage of the phrase, it often conveys a sense of resistance or determination, as in "fending off angry customers" or "fending off criticism." Overall, the origin and evolution of "fend off" provide insight into the way the English language has developed over time and how it has adapted to describe increasingly complex situations and challenges.