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Mike2015 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary
fight off vs fend off vs ward off
Dear teachers,
Would you please tell me if these three words are interchangeable In The following sentence? If not, why in dictionaries the definitions are similar?
USC professor working to fend off terrorist attacks before they happen
I know that "fend off" and "ward off" are less strong than "fight off" but I suspect they are all interchangeable here.
Would you please tell me a little about their usages? The dictionaries don't give much info.
Thanks a million in advance.
Would you please tell me if these three words are interchangeable In The following sentence? If not, why in dictionaries the definitions are similar?
USC professor working to fend off terrorist attacks before they happen
I know that "fend off" and "ward off" are less strong than "fight off" but I suspect they are all interchangeable here.
Would you please tell me a little about their usages? The dictionaries don't give much info.
Thanks a million in advance.
Top answer
I’m certain that they are all subject to personal interpretation, but ward off is the mildest. One might take an aspirin to ward off a headache. Fend off is also protective but implies trying to avoid actually fighting.
- I’m certain that they are all subject to personal interpretation, but ward off is the mildest.
- One might take an aspirin to ward off a headache.
- Fend off is also protective but implies trying to avoid actually fighting.
- One uses insect spray to fend off flies or bugs.
- I think of defend and fend off as similar.
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2 Answers
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I’m certain that they are all subject to personal interpretation, but ward off is the mildest. One might take an aspirin to ward off a headache.
Fend off is also protective but implies trying to avoid actually fighting. One uses insect spray to fend off flies or bugs. I think of defend and fend off as similar.
Fight off is an action where battle has commenced; and whereas ‘fight’ impli
Fend off is also protective but implies trying to avoid actually fighting. One uses insect spray to fend off flies or bugs. I think of defend and fend off as similar.
Fight off is an action where battle has commenced; and whereas ‘fight’ impli
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Thanks a million wilpeter,
You explained it marvelously and your nice explanation has left no hint of doubt in me
You explained it marvelously and your nice explanation has left no hint of doubt in me
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