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defend
[ dih-fend ]
verb (used with object)
- to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against ):
The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.
Synonyms: , , , ,
Antonyms:
- to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold:
She defended her claim successfully.
Synonyms:
- to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).
- Law. to serve as attorney for (a defendant):
He has defended some of the most notorious criminals.
- to support (an argument, theory, etc.) in the face of criticism; prove the validity of (a dissertation, thesis, or the like) by answering arguments and questions put by a committee of specialists.
- Sports. to attempt to retain (a championship title, position, etc.), as in a competition against a challenger:
A fortuitous trade has landed him on the team defending the World Series championship.
verb (used without object)
- Law. to enter or make a defense.
- Sports. to prevent the opposing team from scoring:
She’s a freshman who already scores and defends like a professional.
defend
/ ɪˈɛԻ /
verb
- to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on
- tr to support in the face of criticism, esp by argument or evidence
- to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action
- sport to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc) against attack
- tr to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge
Derived Forms
- ˈڱԻ岹, adjective
- ˈڱԻ, noun
Other Word Forms
- ·ڱԻa· adjective
- ·ڱԻİ noun
- un·ڱԻa· adjective
- ܲd·ڱԻa· adverb
- ܲd·ڱԻĻ adjective
- ɱ-·ڱԻĻ adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of defend1
Word History and Origins
Origin of defend1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
As a young immigration lawyer in California’s Central Valley, Matthew Barragan cut his teeth defending the rights of indigent workers facing deportation.
The government has defended its net-zero policies after Sir Tony Blair said limiting fossil fuels was "doomed to fail" and a new approach was needed.
Democrats defended the decision and said they will hold additional hearings on the topic in the future.
Fox, who was sitting at the back of the room a day later, said Usyk - a man who has defended his country against the Russian invasion - must have been rattled.
On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the government's economic record and promised trade talks with many of America's biggest partners were under way.
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