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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.

The Mets’ players, meanwhile, have been left trying to defend their embattled manager.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Maybe if the defenders started to defend they would have won the game instead of drawing it.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

“So for me, it was just go and defend my title, but the time came, so I’m happy.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

In a statement released after his arrest, they vowed to “vigorously defend David’s innocence.”

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

And for a moment, I thought he might try to defend himself again, but apparently he’d changed tactics and was exercising his right to remain silent.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Vocabulary lists containing defend

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

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