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- pronunciation:
- dih
fend
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
defends, defending, defended |
| definition 1: |
to protect from harm, seizure, or intrusion; guard.
The army has been called in to defend the city.The dog defended its owner from an attacker in the park.The team is fighting to defend its title.The goalie must defend the team's goal.- synonyms:
- guard, protect
- antonyms:
- attack
- similar words:
- bolster, convoy, fight for, fortify, safeguard, secure, shelter, shield
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| definition 2: |
to justify or give support to; maintain; uphold.
She forcefully defended her argument.When he spoke with the principal, he defended his son's actions.I defended his speaking so frankly because many of us share his opinion but are afraid to speak out.I don't normally defend stealing, but, in this case, I think it was justified.- synonyms:
- justify, uphold
- antonyms:
- disclaim
- similar words:
- alibi, assert, hold a brief for, maintain, support, sustain, vindicate
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| definition 3: |
to serve as a lawyer in support of (someone).
She defended her client although she was not sure herself of his innocence.- similar words:
- represent
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| related words: |
advocate, buttress, champion, explain, insist, mind, preserve, stand |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to make a defense.
These players need to learn how to defend.- synonyms:
- fend, protect, resist
- antonyms:
- attack
- similar words:
- contend, counter, guard, struggle
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| related words: |
hold, shield |
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| derivation: |
defender (n.) |
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