Question

part 1 - word knowledge
fending most nearly means
a agitating.
b closing in.
c quarreling.
d warding off.
click the button or type the letter next to your answer.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the meaning of "fending". The verb "fend" (and "fending" as its -ing form) means to defend or ward off (e.g., "fend off an attack"). Let's check the options:

• Option A: "agitating" means to stir up or disturb, not related to fending.
• Option B: "closing in" means to surround or approach, which is the opposite of fending (fending is about repelling, not being approached).
• Option C: "quarreling" means arguing, which is not the same as fending.
• Option D: "warding off" matches the meaning of fending (both involve defending against something).

Answer:

D. warding off.