1 C1 formal
To push back or repel an attack, threat, or unwanted advance. (Archaic/rare variant of 'fend off'.)
"He raised his arm to fend away the blow."
separable
fend away
C1 formal separable transitive
To push back or repel someone or something; an archaic/rare variant of 'fend off'.
In plain English
To push something dangerous away from you.
What does "fend away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To defend by pushing something away.
Actually means
To push something dangerous away from you.
Usage tip
This is a rare and largely archaic variant of 'fend off'. Modern speakers almost exclusively use 'fend off' instead. Occasionally appears in older literature. ESL learners should learn 'fend off' as the standard form.
Words that pair with "fend away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
attack blow criticism threat
How to conjugate "fend away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fend away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fends away
he/she/it
Past simple
fended away
yesterday
Past participle
fended away
have + pp
-ing form
fending away
continuous
Hear "fend away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fend away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.