fended off

As the student fended off blows, he pulled out a gun from his pocket and fired.

He’s delivered when the Dodgers needed it most as they fended off a surge by the Padres the last few weeks.

Democratic congresswoman and member of the "Squad", Ilhan Omar, has fended off a primary election challenge in Minnesota, according to US media projections.

At the end of his career, scandal threatened his legacy as he fended off investigations into alleged corruption and cronyism.

The 81-year-old has suffered from declining health for years and has fended off quiet speculation that he was no longer able to physically carry out his council duties.