What are the definitions of “fight off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fight an attacker and force them back.
The old lady managed to FIGHT the muggers OFF and they didn't get her purse.
- 2Resist an illness or emotion.
I'm FIGHTING OFF a cold.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fight off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fight off is to resist or defend against something, such as an attacker, illness, or emotion. It can be used to describe successfully defending oneself from a physical attack or overcoming a negative feeling or sickness.
What are the different verb forms of “fight off”?
| Root Verb | fight off |
| Third Person Singular Present | fights off |
| Present Participle | fighting off |
| Simple Past | fought off |
| Past Participle | fought off |
Example
She managed to fight off the attacker and escape.
Example
He fights off his negative thoughts every day.
Example
She is fighting off a cold and trying to get better.
Example
They fought off the intruders and protected their home.
Example
The illness was fought off with the help of medication.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fight off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fight off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She fought off the attacker.
Example
He fought off his negative thoughts.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fight off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She fought off the attacker.
Example
He fought off his negative thoughts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fight off”?
Good things to know
Does “fight off” have an informal or formal tone?
Fight off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
