fended

fended is the simple past and past participle form of the verb fend, which means to defend, protect, or repel. The word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For instance, “The soldiers fended off the attackers” indicates a literal defense action, whereas “She fended off criticism” implies resisting negative remarks or influences. The term can also imply the act of resisting or withstanding a challenge, as in “He fended his way through the crowded marketplace.”

The origin of fend dates back to Old English fendan, meaning “to defend, repulse, or provide for one's needs,” and is related to the Germanic root fendjan. The verb entered Middle English through Old French fend. Historically, the word was used in hunting and military contexts to describe the act of protecting oneself from predators or foes. Over time, the usage broadened to include everyday circumstances where a person must safeguard against unwanted situations or criticism.

In legal contexts, fended can appear in expressions like fended off claims, where a party successfully resists or defeats a lawsuit. In literature, fended is used to convey the resilience of characters or groups in the face of adversity. The word retains a strong defensive connotation in contemporary English and is often paired with phrases such as fended off, fended out, or fended for.