fend 
/ˈfɛnd/ verb
fends; fend·ed; fend·ing /ˈfɛnd/ verb Meaning:
fend for yourself
: to do things without help : to do basic activities by yourself
▪ They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away. ▪ He's been fending for himself since his wife died.
▪ They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away. ▪ He's been fending for himself since his wife died.
fend off [phrasal verb]
fend off (someone or something) or fend (someone or something) off : to defend yourself against (someone or something)
▪ They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers. ▪ They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.
▪ They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers. ▪ They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.
