Meaning & Definition of word "Defend"
to
Defend
/dɪˈfɛnd/
verb:
- 1. To protect from harm or danger.
- Example: The soldiers were trained to defend their country at all costs.
- 2. To support or justify a cause, argument, or person.
- Example: She had to defend her thesis in front of the committee.
- 3. To resist an attack or challenge.
- Example: The goalkeeper made a great effort to defend the goal from the opposing team's shots.
- 4. To provide a legal defense for someone in a court of law.
- Example: The lawyer was hired to defend the accused in the criminal trial.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French defender, from Latin defendere, from de- 'from' + fendere 'to strike' or 'to strike off'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
defend oneself:
To protect oneself from attack or criticism.
defend the idea:
To argue in favor of a concept or theory.
defend against:
To protect oneself or something from a specific threat.
Related Words
defensive:
Adjective describing actions taken to defend.
defender:
A person who defends someone or something.
defense:
The act of protecting someone or something.
Slang Meanings of defend
Meaning: To back someone up during a disagreement.
Example Sentence: I had to defend my friend when they were being called out.
Meaning: To support a team or player passionately.
Example Sentence: Real fans defend their team no matter the score.