Help center

Phrasal verbs "fend for" vs "fend off"

Differences between fend for and fend off

Fend for means to take care of oneself without any help from others, while fend off means to defend oneself or someone else from an attack or danger.

Meanings and Definitions: fend for vs fend off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fend for

  • 1Take care of yourself or someone with help from other people.

    The children had to FEND FOR themselves after their parents died.

Fend off

  • 1Resist something successfully.

    He managed to FEND OFF the criticism in the press.

  • 2Push an attacker away.

    She FENDED OFF the dog when it attacked her.

Usage Examples: fend for, fend off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fend for

Example

After moving to a new city, she had to fend for herself.

Example

He fends for himself when his parents are away on business trips.

fend off

Example

He tried to fend off the angry crowd.

Example

She fends off the unwanted attention with a smile.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fend for

take care of oneself

To provide for one's own needs without any help from others.

Example

After moving out of her parents' house, she had to fend for herself and learn how to cook and clean.

stand on one's own two feet

To be independent and self-sufficient.

Example

He was proud that he could stand on his own two feet and didn't need anyone's help to succeed.

make do

To manage with what one has, especially when resources are limited.

Example

During the pandemic, many people had to make do with what they had at home since stores were closed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fend off

ward off

To prevent or repel an attack or danger.

Example

She used pepper spray to ward off the attacker and escape safely.

repel

To drive back or keep away something harmful or unwanted.

Example

The citronella candles helped repel mosquitoes during the outdoor party.

fight off

To resist or defend oneself against an attack or illness.

Example

He had to fight off a cold before his important presentation at work.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fend”

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in fend for vs fend off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fend for or fend off?

In daily conversation, people use fend off more often than fend for. This is because fend off is used in a wider range of situations, such as physical attacks, verbal attacks, and even unwanted advances. Fend for is not used as much, but it can be used when talking about someone who is self-sufficient or independent. So, while both phrases are used, fend off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fend for and fend off

Fend for and fend off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fend for and fend off

The tone of fend for and fend off can differ based on context. Fend for often carries a sense of independence or self-reliance, while fend off typically has a defensive or protective tone, especially when referring to physical or emotional attacks.

fend for & fend off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fend for

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • rely on
  • depend on
  • need assistance
  • be dependent
  • be helpless

Fend off

Synonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!