fights off
Keeps at bay
Fights off means to resist or repel something threatening—an attacker, an illness, or an unwanted feeling.
You might fight off a cold, fight off drowsiness, or fight off an intruder.
The phrase suggests active effort against something trying to take hold: She fought off the flu for days before finally succumbing.
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- counteractNullify by opposing force
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- antibodyProtein targeting foreign substances
white blood cell · endure · immune response · neutralize · keeps at bay · thwart · persevere · resist · overcome · beat back · dodge · outmaneuver · vaccine · reject · deflect · pathogen · shield · immune system