説明中心

defend

[dɪˈfɛnd]

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.

  • defend one's honor

    protect one's reputation or dignity from being insulted or disrespected

    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).

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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.'

How do native speakers use this expression?