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1. Dictionary

   de·fend

   /dəˈfend/

   verb

   • 1. resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger: "we shall defend our country, whatever the cost" Similar protectguardsafeguardkeep from harmpreservesecureshieldshelterscreenfortifygarrisonbarricadefight forupholdsupportbe on the side oftake up cudgels forwatch overbe the defender ofOpposite attack
   • ▪ speak or write in favor of (an action or person); attempt to justify: "he defended his policy of imposing high taxes" Similar justifyvindicateargue/speak forspeak on behalf ofsupportspeak in support ofgive an apologia formake a case forplead formake excuses forexcuseexoneratepalliateexplaingive reasons forgive the rationale behindsupportspeak in support ofbackstand bystick up forstand up forargue forchampionendorseupholdcome to the defense ofsustainbolsterinformal:throw one's weight behindOpposite attackcriticizecriticize
   • ▪ conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit: "the lawyer had defended the dissidents"
   • ▪ compete to retain (a title or seat) in a contest or election: "he successfully defended his congressional seat in new elections"
   • ▪ (in sports) protect one's goal rather than attempt to score against one's opponents.

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from de- ‘off’ + -fendere ‘to strike’. Compare with offend.

   Derivatives

   • 1. defendable adjective

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • F

     4

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • D

     2

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defendDefend Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › defend

   • Cached

   defend: [verb] to drive danger or attack away from. to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism. to prove (something, such as a doctoral thesis or dissertation) valid by answering questions in an oral exam. to attempt to prevent an opponent from scoring at.

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishDEFEND | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   DEFEND definition: 1. to protect someone or something against attack or criticism: 2. to speak or write in support of…. Learn more.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryDEFEND | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   DEFEND meaning: 1. to protect someone or something against attack or criticism: 2. to speak or write in support of…. Learn more.

5. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › defendDefend - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › defend

   defend: 1 v protect against a challenge or attack Synonyms: guard , hold hold take and maintain control over, often by violent means Type of: protect shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage v protect or fight for as a champion Synonyms: champion Type of: back , endorse , indorse , plump for , plunk for , support be behind; approve ...

6. www.dictionary.com › browse › defendDEFEND Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › defend

   • Cached

   Defend definition: to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against). See examples of DEFEND used in a sentence.

7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishDEFEND definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   5 meanings: 1. to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on 2. to support in the face of.... Click for more definitions.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishdefend verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

   • Cached

   defend somebody/something The role of the military is to defend the country. Troops have been sent to defend the borders. defend somebody/something against somebody/something The male birds defend their territory against other males. defend somebody/something from somebody/something The cannons once defended the city from attack by sea.

9. www.thefreedictionary.com › defendDefend - definition of defend by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › defend

   • Cached

   Define defend. defend synonyms, defend pronunciation, defend translation, English dictionary definition of defend. v. de·fend·ed , de·fend·ing , de·fends v. tr. 1. a. To make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm: a vaccine to defend the body from infection. b.

10. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryDEFEND | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

    • Cached

    DEFEND meaning: 1. to protect someone or something from being attacked, especially by fighting: 2. to support…. Learn more.

11. www.yourdictionary.com › defendDefend Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

    www.yourdictionary.com › defend

    • Cached

    Defend definition: To compete against a challenger in an attempt to retain (a championship).