fight off
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To succeed in defeating a challenge, or an attack.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The platoon fought off the guerrilla attack.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To resist, particularly an infection or an emotion.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To fight (someone) aggressively.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “fight off” mean?
To succeed in defeating a challenge, or an attack.
Is “fight off” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.