fighting off
phrasal verbUK /ˈfaɪtɪŋ ɒf/
US /ˈfaɪtɪŋ ɔːf/
Using your strength to keep something bad away from you.
The brave knight was fighting off the dragon with his shield.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Trying hard to get rid of an illness or feeling.
She stayed home, fighting off a bad cold.
3. Struggling to overcome a difficult situation or problem.
The small shop is fighting off competition from big stores.
4. Pushing back against someone or something that is attacking.
The soldiers were fighting off the enemy at the border.
5. Trying not to fall asleep or give in to tiredness.
He was fighting off sleep during the long meeting.