# fend

/ˈfɛnd/ (US) · /fˈɛnd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fend
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to take care of yourself or protect yourself without help from others.

For teachers: to provide for one's own needs or to resist an attack or pressure. Often used with 'for' when referring to self-sufficiency or 'off' when referring to defense.

## Examples

- The children had to fend for themselves while their parents were away.
- Small businesses often have to fend for themselves in a market dominated by massive global corporations.
- After the sudden collapse of the local industry, many families were left to fend for themselves without any immediate government assistance or social safety net.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he fended himself" but "he fended for himself" — When meaning to look after oneself, the verb requires the preposition 'for' and is not used as a simple reflexive.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive when used with 'for' (to provide for oneself) and transitive when used with 'off' (to repel something).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.