fend off
Keep at bay
To fend off is to ward away or repel something unwanted—an attack, a question, an advance.
You fend off a blow by blocking it, fend off criticism by deflecting it, fend off a cold by taking preventive measures.
The phrase implies active resistance against something pressing in: She fended off reporters with a terse "no comment".
Defensive blade deflection
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- ward offActively prevent approach
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
deflect · shield · evade · duck · swerve · elude · redirect · avert
Remain intact despite pressure
- counterFlat service surface
- opposeAct against something
- fight offResist and defeat
- combatArmed hostile engagement
defy · thwart · prevent · block · halt · obstruct · stand firm · hold ground
Abrupt, curt rejection
- deterPrevent through intimidation
- discourageDiminish someone's confidence
- repulseDrive back or disgust
- drive backForce to retreat
push back · hold off · keep at bay · stave off · ward off · beat back · turn away · chase off
parry
Defensive blade deflection
sidestep · deflect · shield · evade · duck · swerve · elude · redirect · avert · bat away
withstand
Remain intact despite pressure
combat · defy · thwart · prevent · block · halt · obstruct · stand firm · hold ground · weather
rebuff
Abrupt, curt rejection
- deterPrevent through intimidation
- discourageDiminish someone's confidence
- repulseDrive back or disgust
drive back · push back · hold off · keep at bay · stave off · ward off · beat back · turn away · chase off · shoo away
fend offwelcome
Hospitable greeting offered
embrace · accept · receive · let in · give in to
defend, defense, offense, offensive, defender, offend, offender, defending, defensive