defend
defend Lexical Profile
defend Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To protect someone or something from harm, danger, or an attack, and to ensure their safety.
"White blood cells work tirelessly to defend the human body against harmful infections."
To speak or write in support of a person, idea, action, or thesis that is being criticized or examined.
"The doctoral candidate had to defend her dissertation before a committee of five professors."
To compete in order to retain a championship title or prevent an opponent from scoring in a game or sport.
"The reigning champion will return to the tournament next month to defend her title."
To act as a legal attorney for an accused party or contest a claim in a court of law.
"The public attorney was appointed by the court to defend the client during the trial."
• Rhymes for defend
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English defenden, borrowed from Old French defendre, which derives from Latin defendere ('to ward off, protect, guard'), formed from the prefix de- ('away, off') and the archaic root *fendere ('to strike, push').