fend (v.)

• anticipate
• arm
• armor
• avert
• bar
• bless
• block
• bulwark
• champion
• check
• cloak
• copyright
• counter
• cover
• cushion
• debar
• defend
• deflect
• deter
• discourage
• dishearten
• divert
• ensure
• estop
• exclude
• fence
• forbid
• foreclose
• forestall
• guarantee
• guard
• harbor
• help
• hinder
• insure
• keep
• nestle
• obstruct
• obviate
• parry
• patent
• police
• preclude
• prevent
• prohibit
• protect
• rebuff
• register
• repel
• repulse
• resist
• safeguard
• save
• screen
• secure
• shelter
• shield
• shroud
• stop
• underwrite