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."
separable
fetch off
C1 formal separable transitive
An archaic or dialectal term meaning to rescue or remove someone from a dangerous place.
In plain English
To go and bring someone away from a place where they are in danger.
What does "fetch off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go and fetch someone and bring them off (away from a place).
Actually means
To go and bring someone away from a place where they are in danger.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "fetch off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rescue sailors survivors shore wreck
How to conjugate "fetch off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fetch off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fetch off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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