Défendre (en. Defend)

[de.fɑ̃dʁ]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To protect someone or something against a danger.
One must defend human rights.
Il faut défendre les droits de l'homme.
To oppose something, especially in court.
The lawyer will defend his client in court.
L'avocat va défendre son client devant le tribunal.
To forbid something.
It is forbidden to smoke in public places.
Il est défendu de fumer dans les lieux publics.

Etymology

From Latin 'defendere', composed of 'de-' and 'fendere' which means to strike.

Common Phrases and Expressions

defend one's rights
To protect one’s own rights or interests.
défendre ses droits
defend an opinion
To support or justify a point of view.
défendre une opinion
defend the widow and the orphan
To protect those who are vulnerable.
défendre la veuve et l'orphelin

Related Words

defense
The act of defending, protection.
défense
defender
A person who defends something or someone.
défenseur
defensive
Related to defense, strategic to protect.
défensif

Slang Meanings

Defend at all costs
He defends his ideas at all costs.
Il défend à tout prix ses idées.
Defend oneself like a lion
When attacked, he defends himself like a lion.
Quand on l'attaque, il se défend comme un lion.