Meaning & Definition of Defend in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To protect or support someone or something from attack.

  Example Sentence: The soldiers were called to defend the city against the invaders.

• Definition: To formally contest or argue in support of a legal case.

  Example Sentence: The lawyer was hired to defend the accused in court.

• Definition: To speak or write in favor of something; to justify.

  Example Sentence: She had to defend her research findings during the conference.

• Definition: To prevent someone from being harmed.

  Example Sentence: Parents will always defend their children, no matter the circumstances.

• Definition: To provide a defense for a team or player in sports.

  Example Sentence: He was rushes to defend the goal during the final minutes of the match.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English: from Old French defender, from Latin defendere, from de- 'from' + fendere 'to strike' or 'to strike off'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: defender

• French: défendre

• German: verteidigen

• Russian: защищать

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.