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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.

Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his French Open title because of a wrist injury, while world number seven Taylor Fritz has been resting and rehabbing a long-term knee problem since March.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The CEO added that BellRing is making a deliberate choice to spend more on promotional sales and advertising to defend its market share.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

During an MS NOW television interview in late April, Martin used head-spinning illogic to defend concealing the autopsy and denied he was “here to protect anyone.”

From Salon • May 5, 2026

Ms. Hu said that this reaction improves the body's ability to perceive and defend itself against external threats.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Late in 1943, an unusual section of the French Air Force, later known as the Normandie-Niemen Regiment, had joined the Soviet troops to defend them in the air.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing defend

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Veterans Day Vocabulary

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!