defend Definition
- 1resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.
- 2speak or write in favour of (an action or person); attempt to justify.
Using defend: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The soldiers defended their country against the enemy.
Example
She defended her thesis successfully.
Example
He defended his friend's reputation against false accusations.
defend Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with defend
protect oneself from harm or danger, especially by fighting back or taking action to avoid being hurt
Example
She had to defend herself against the attacker.
Example
He challenged the person who insulted him to a duel to defend his honor.
attempt to justify or support something that is clearly wrong or unjustifiable
Example
The lawyer had to defend the indefensible actions of his client.
Origins of defend
from Old French 'defendre', from Latin 'defendere', from 'de-' (expressing reversal) + 'fendere' (to strike).
Summary: defend in Brief
To 'defend' [dɪˈfɛnd] means to resist an attack and protect from harm or danger. It can also mean to speak or write in favor of someone or something. Examples include 'The soldiers defended their country against the enemy' and 'She defended her thesis successfully.' Phrases include 'defend oneself' and 'defend one's honor.'