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fetch off

C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To go and bring someone away from a place where they are in danger.

Literal meaning: To go and fetch someone and bring them off (away from a place).

Meanings

1 C1 formal

(Archaic) To rescue or remove someone from a dangerous place, especially by boat.

"The lifeboat managed to fetch off the survivors before the ship sank completely."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Largely archaic and not used in modern everyday English. Appeared in older British English to describe rescuing someone, particularly at sea or in battle. ESL learners may encounter it in historical texts or literature but should not use it in contemporary communication.

Commonly used with

rescue sailors survivors shore wreck

Forms

Base
fetch off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fetches off
he/she/it
Past simple
fetched off
yesterday
Past participle
fetched off
have + pp
-ing form
fetching off
continuous

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