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Definition of fend


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fend  audio  (fnd) KEY  

VERB:
fend·ed , fend·ing , fends
VERB:
tr.
  1. To ward off. Often used with off: fend off an attack.
  2. Archaic To defend.
VERB:
intr.
  1. To make an effort to resist: fend against the cold.
  2. To attempt to manage without assistance: had to fend for ourselves until we were rescued.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English fenden, short for defenden, to defend ; see defend


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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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