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Definitions

defend

[dih-fend] / dɪˈfɛnd /
VERB
protect
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contend fight fight for guard hold maintain oppose preserve prevent resist safeguard secure shield uphold
STRONG
avert battle bulwark cherish conserve cover entrench espouse fortify foster garrison hedge house insure mine nourish save screen shelter sustain war watch withstand
WEAK
beat off care for fend off guard against hold at bay keep safe look after panoply provide sanctuary repel danger stave off take in ward off watch over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon desert endanger give up harm hurt ignore injure let go lose neglect support surrender
STRONG
forsake make peace
WEAK
attack leave quit relinquish renounce resign
VERB
show support for
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold
STRONG
aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant
WEAK
apologize for back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
oppose protest reject
STRONG
accuse blame condemn
WEAK
abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This layer helps defend enamel from acids found in beverages like juice and alcohol, as well as acids from the stomach.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

But should it become necessary to defend the honor of the Empire, a chrome button on the steering wheel activates Infinity Mode.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

It suggests Iran is still able to defend its skies, even if at a limited capacity.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Elsewhere, Turkey has drawn down about 60 metric tons from its reserves since the conflict began — about $8 billion worth of gold — to defend the lira, she said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

“And you came down here to defend me with a piece of wood.”

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.