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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.

According to the 52-page ruling, the state defended its approach as needed to prevent bullying, and the judge lauds that goal.

From The Wall Street Journal

"My family came here and I am very proud that they are my family. I will defend them," she responded.

From BBC

The club is the defending European champion and has more titles than any team in France.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chacon, a Cleveland graduate, has been trying to get his team to have the confidence to compete against defending City champion El Camino Real and longtime power Birmingham.

From Los Angeles Times

There appears to be limited appetite among fans for a trilogy, while the Ukrainian has indicated he would prefer to defend his titles against Wilder next.

From BBC

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