Defend

/dɪˈfɛnd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To protect from harm or danger.

The soldiers were trained to defend their country at all costs.

To support or justify a cause, argument, or person.

She had to defend her thesis in front of the committee.

To resist an attack or challenge.

The goalkeeper made a great effort to defend the goal from the opposing team's shots.

To provide a legal defense for someone in a court of law.

The lawyer was hired to defend the accused in the criminal trial.

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

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.

To back someone up during a disagreement.

I had to defend my friend when they were being called out.

To support a team or player passionately.

Real fans defend their team no matter the score.