Question

fending most nearly means a agitating. b closing in. c quarreling. d warding off.

Explanation:

"Fending" means to defend oneself or keep something away. "Warding off" has a similar meaning of keeping something at bay. "Agitating" means to stir up or make restless. "Closing in" means to approach closely. "Quarreling" means to have an argument. So "warding off" is the closest in meaning to "fending".

Answer:

D. warding off.