fight off

phrasal verb

fought off; fighting off; fights off

: to defend oneself against (someone or something) by fighting or struggling : to avoid being harmed or overcome by (someone or something) by fighting or struggling

They fought off the attack/attackers.

I'm trying to fight off a cold.

Examples of fight off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

But hospitals have long fought off any attempts to equalize payment rates, arguing such a move would hurt rural providers and those that rely on a high proportion of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. —

Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 Selenium can prevent oxidative damage in the body, fight off radicals, and improve cell function.14 Selenium deficiencies have been linked to thyroid problems, decreased immune system function, hormonal imbalance, mood disorders, and heart disease. 7. —

Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Shortly after, James appears to be fighting off a possession. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 31 Oct. 2024 The Falcons fought off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to claim a 31-26 victory, a pivotal win that placed the Dirty Birds in first place in the NFC South. —

Kristal Dixon, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fight off