fending

An act of defending or protecting someone or something can be described as a fend. For example, if your friend is being bullied and you stand up for them, that's an act of fending.

When we talk about fending, we often mean defending against harm, criticism, or attack. But it can also refer to keeping something off or away from someone or something else. Think about trying to fend off a swarm of bees - you're not just fighting them off physically, but also protecting yourself from getting hurt. If your dog is prone to barking at strangers, you might need to fend off the visitors with some calming treats. In this sense, fending is more about creating a barrier or a separation between two things.