0
Messier42 Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

Are there difference "fend off","ward off","fight off"?

Are there difference "fend off","ward off","fight off"?
  

Top answer

They are similar in meaning but not exactly synonymous and would tend to be used differently: the first with an abstract opponent, the second with a single blow, the third with multiple assailants. For example: I was able to fend off the attack but it left be nearly spent. (The opponent is abstract.

— Anonymous

  • They are similar in meaning but not exactly synonymous and would tend to be used differently: the first with an abstract opponent, the second with a single blow, the third with multiple assailants.
  • For example: I was able to fend off the attack but it left be nearly spent.
  • (The opponent is abstract.
  • Fight off could also be used here but fend off is the better choice.
  • ) I was able to ward off the blow but the force of it knocked me off my horse.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
They are similar in meaning but not exactly synonymous and would tend to be used differently: the first with an abstract opponent, the second with a single blow, the third with multiple assailants. For example:

I was able to fend off the attack but it left be nearly spent. (The opponent is abstract. Fight off could also be used here but fend off is the better choice. Ward off would no
0
0
Anon: This is a very thoughtful and thorough response. Have you considered registering with a use name so we can get to know you better?
0
0
Thank you for you help!!
0
0
Not really, but "fight off" implies a more violent interaction.
0
0
Anonymous the first with an abstract opponent, the second with a single blow, the third with multiple assailants.
I find this very prescriptive with no basis in fact. I have had to delete many previous Anonymous posts from Honaunau-napoopoo, Hawaii as gross inaccuracies.
0

Related Questions