fighting back

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defend oneself v.
defend v.

VERB

defend oneself

Synonyms

WEAK

beat off bottle up check contain control curb fend off hold at bay hold back keep at bay oppose put up fight repel reply repress repulse resist restrain retaliate stave off ward off

Antonyms

WEAK

give in give up surrender yield

VERB

defend

Synonyms

STRONGEST

resist retaliate

WEAK

beat off bottle up check contain control curb fight off hold back oppose repel reply repress repulse restrain stave off ward off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

fighting back

Puerto has framed the suit as a way of fighting back against laws that she feels have compromised the future she wanted to give herself and her children.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

Sparks is fighting back by trying to restore Nike’s premium feel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

"His wife had just given birth a month ago. He was so happy he was given a daughter," she said, fighting back tears.

From Barron's ● Sep. 11, 2026

"It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over," Messi said, fighting back tears after another trophy chance slipped away.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

I choked on his name, fighting back tears.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

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