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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.

“As Alabamians,” she told them, “we dare defend our rights.”

From Slate • May 4, 2026

But the teams behind the Sorbonne project defend it as an innovative cultural experiment.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

“And if anyone can be counted upon, I believe it’s her that will vigorously defend against the grave dangers and vicious attacks on freedom of expression that both museums and universities currently face.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

At the same time, it would be mistaken to defend land forces as they currently exist.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

By April 2006 Lippmann’s superiors at Deutsche Bank were asking him to defend his quixotic gamble.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing defend

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Veterans Day Vocabulary

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!