guardian, defender, custodian, safeguard, shield, sentinel, watchman, bodyguard, warden, overseer, patron, advocate, champion, preserver, guardian angel, protectorate, security, keeper, minder, guardi... [more]
ward off - repel - repulse - fight off - stave off - hold off - keep at bay - drive away - beat back - parry - deflect - counter - resist - withstand - avert - block - prevent - deter - avoid - shun - escape - elude - evade - circumvent - dodge - sidestep - duck - foil - thwart - frustrate - outwit - outmaneuver - outsmart - baffle - confound - balk - check - stop - halt - arrest - intercept - interrupt - impede - obstruct - hinder - hamper - forestall - preclude - obviate
To 'fend off' something means to defend oneself against a threat or attack. This phrase is often used in the context of warding off physical attacks, but can also be applied to non-physical scenarios, such as handling difficult questions or avoiding negative situations.