fights off

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

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.

You can feel the vectored torque tugging at the wheel as it fights off understeer in a tight turn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

In hiding her eyes behind these immense lenses, she fights off unwanted energy exchanges and unsolicited stares.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

Tusk then plans to fly to Brussels for an EU summit later in the week where discussions critical for Ukraine’s future are expected as the nation fights off the Russian invasion.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2023

It includes bacteria that fights off bugs or injuries, rather than cells that adapt to respond to threats.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2023

If one fights off a low inclination or Desire, it is because he is possessed of a higher inclination or Desire.

From A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga by Atkinson, William Walker