Definition
To take care of yourself or deal with difficulties without help from others. Often used in the phrase "fend for yourself."
Example
After moving out, she had to fend for herself.
Show translation
After moving out, she had to take care of herself on her own.
Etymology
Shortened from *defend* (Middle English *defenden*, from Old French *defendre*, Latin *defendere* — "to ward off, protect"). By the 16th century, *fend* had become an independent verb, shedding the prefix but keeping the core idea of pushing something away or protecting oneself.
Cultural note
The phrase "fend for yourself" is extremely common in everyday American and British English — you'll hear it when parents talk about children leaving home, or in survival contexts. A second common use is "fend off" (e.g., *fend off criticism / fend off an attacker*), meaning to actively push away a threat. Don't confuse *fend* with *fawn*, which means to flatter or act submissively — near-opposite in meaning!