Fend (verb)

1. To ward off or defend oneself against an attack, danger, or injury.
2. To take measures to protect oneself or one's property.

Origin:

Fend (v) late middle english: from old french fendre, from latin fendere "strike, split", from finis "end".

Examples:

1. He had to fend off the dog with a stick.
2. I had to fend off a group of muggers.
3. She had to fend for herself after her parents died.
4. He fended off the blows with his arms.
5. She had to fend off the advances of her boss.