fend off
phrasal verbfend something/somebody off
- to defend or protect yourself from something/somebody that is attacking you synonym fight off, ward off
- The police officer fended off the blows with his riot shield.
- to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc., especially by avoiding them synonym ward off
- She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases.
- The Prime Minister fended off three challenges to her leadership.