51Թ

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View synonyms for

defend

[ dih-fend ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against ):

    The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold:

    She defended her claim successfully.

    Synonyms:

  3. to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).
  4. Law. to serve as attorney for (a defendant):

    He has defended some of the most notorious criminals.

  5. to support (an argument, theory, etc.) in the face of criticism; prove the validity of (a dissertation, thesis, or the like) by answering arguments and questions put by a committee of specialists.
  6. Sports. to attempt to retain (a championship title, position, etc.), as in a competition against a challenger:

    A fortuitous trade has landed him on the team defending the World Series championship.



verb (used without object)

  1. Law. to enter or make a defense.
  2. Sports. to prevent the opposing team from scoring:

    She’s a freshman who already scores and defends like a professional.

defend

/ ɪˈɛԻ /

verb

  1. to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on
  2. tr to support in the face of criticism, esp by argument or evidence
  3. to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action
  4. sport to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc) against attack
  5. tr to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڱԻ岹, adjective
  • ˈڱԻ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ·ڱԻa· adjective
  • ·ڱԻİ noun
  • un·ڱԻa· adjective
  • ܲd·ڱԻa· adverb
  • ܲd·ڱԻĻ adjective
  • ɱ-·ڱԻĻ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of defend1

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English defenden, from Old French éڱԻ, from Latin ŧڱԻ “to ward off, repel,” from ŧ- de- + -fendere “to strike” ( bane ( def ) )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of defend1

C13: from Old French defendre, from Latin ŧڱԻ to ward off, from de- + -fendere to strike
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Synonym Study

Defend, guard, preserve, protect all mean to keep safe. To defend is to strive to keep safe by resisting attack: to defend one's country. To guard is to watch over in order to keep safe: to guard a camp. To preserve is to keep safe in the midst of danger, either in a single instance or continuously: to preserve a spirit of conciliation. To protect is to keep safe by interposing a shield or barrier: to protect books by means of heavy paper covers.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The White House released a statement defending Trump's positions, saying he would continue to protect programs such as Medicare and pointing to Democrats as the threat.

From

Others carried signs reflecting their status as federal workers, including “I took an oath to defend the Constitution” and “Feds’ Jobs Matter.”

From

Miguel is the fastest sprinter in California and defending state champion.

From

But many have refused to do so without security guarantees, or authorization for locals to take up arms and defend their communities.

From

Key issues he wants to tackle include defending the 2nd Amendment, finding more resources to support veterans in the department and preventing the release of violent criminals, according to his campaign website.

From

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