Some modern definitions seem intuitive and are used automatically, even without understanding the interpretation of a particular word. Meanwhile, many of them have not been used for their direct meaning for a long time, but they have survived in a figurative sense. For example, in the 21st century, the ability to parry refers to convenient behavior in a discussion when you easily beat off the opponent’s arguments with facts, and only due to this you look like a winner in the eyes of the audience. But has it always been like this?
Aristocratic heritage
A sound concept is actually a borrowing. It gained relevance when balls and duels were as popular as knowledge of the French language. Not only fashion came from Paris to Russia, but also the verb "parer", which literally translated as "reflect", "beat off".
It was a duel with the use of knives. To respond with brute force and stop the blade or draw the tip with a graceful movement is to parry the blow. It sounds straightforward, but the speaker implies saving life and honor.
Modern use
Most of the interpretations focus on the description of protection methods, the essence of which varies depending on the context and the subject of discussion. There are three main options:
- ward off with a sword or saber;
- repel an enemy attack;
- fight off verbal aggression, level out the opponent’s arguments.
The term originally referred to fencing. Even today, professional athletes will interpret the meaning of the word “fend off” no worse than aristocrats of the 18th century. Gradually, the word spread to other battle formats. Someone fights with swords, others - command entire armies. And the capacious definition was immediately transferred to situations where the defending side deftly nullifies any efforts of the attackers.
From here came the third decryption. The ability to fend off is to defend oneself in a conversation; it is valued to the same extent as combat skills. Diplomatic negotiations or philosophical discussion - an arena for the competition of minds, the clash of ideologies. Hot debate affects the future of people no less than a blow in the heart with a blade, and you need to be able to reflect the hostile attacks of someone else's thought!
Custom use
In addition to generally accepted meanings, there are less known ones. In some texts you can find phrases where “fend off” is a term with unexpected overtones:
- To upset a horse.
- Make a bet.
Such variants of the meaning of “fend off” appear infrequently and are considered obsolete, but they must be remembered at least for the purpose of self-education. And also in order not to get confused in historical novels, if the author wants to be original.
Everyday communication
Be sure to add this word in the lexicon. It is not the most demanded, but amateurs argue at the expense of an additional synonym get an advantage over a potential opponent, which is already a lot!