the.com/fender
The part of your car designed to meet the world first, so you don't have to.
means The protective panel over a car's wheel that shields the body (and whatever you hit) from the mess of the road.
from From 'defender' with the 'de-' worn off the front — a 17th-century shortening of the same word that gives us 'defend.' Originally it meant anything that fends off blows or damage, used for fireplace guards and ship bumpers alike, before cars came along and claimed it as their own.
- origin
- named for literally defending the car body
- guitar twist
- brand name chosen for a sturdy, protective feel
- cost truth
- often pricier to replace than the engine part behind it
- fender bender
- term exists because fenders are built to take the hit