defend

verb

di-FEND/dɪˈfɛnd/

Formsdefends, defending, defended

10 meanings of defend

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To keep someone or something safe from attack or harm.
Like putting your arms up to keep something from hitting your face.
Soldiers defend the city against invaders.
She defended her little brother from the bullies.
Similarprotect, guard, shield, safeguard, hold
Oppositeattack, assault
Note
2
verbtransitive
To speak or write in support of someone or something.
Like standing up for a friend when others say bad things about them.
He defended his friend's decision in front of the class.
I defend my choices because I believe in them.
Similarsupport, justify, champion, uphold, back
Oppositeattack, criticize, condemn
3
verbtransitive
To act as a lawyer for someone accused of a crime.
Like having someone speak up for you when you are in trouble.
A lawyer will defend him at the trial.
She defended several clients last year.
Similarrepresent
Oppositeprosecute
Note
4
verbintransitive
To play in a way that stops the other team from scoring, instead of trying to score.
Like guarding a door so no one can get past you.
Our team needs to defend better in the second half.
He defends well but rarely scores.
Oppositeattack
Note
5
verbtransitive
To try to keep a title you won before, by competing for it again.
Like trying to win first place again after winning it last time.
She will defend her championship next month.
The champion defended his title twice this year.
Note
6
verbtransitive
In cricket, to block the ball gently instead of hitting hard, to save energy and tire out the bowlers.
Like blocking soft hits to wear out the other player instead of swinging hard.
The batsman chose to defend rather than swing at the fast ball.
He defended carefully until the bowler grew tired.
Similarblock
Note
7
verbslangtransitive or intransitive
In poker, to call a raise when you are in the big blind.
Like staying in a game instead of giving up your turn.
She decided to defend with a weak pair.
He defends too often from the big blind.
Oppositefold
Note

Less common meanings

8
verbobsoletetransitive
To drive back or push away an attack or an attacker.
Note
9
verbobsoletetransitive
To stop or keep someone from doing something.
Note
10
verbobsoletetransitive or intransitive
To forbid something, or to order that it not be done.
Broder said sir launcelot wete ye wel I am ful lothe to departe oute of this realme but the quene hath defended me soo hyhely that me semeth she wille neuer be my good lady as she hath ben
1485, Sir Thomas Malory, “ij”Here, defended means forbidden, so the queen has ordered him not to do something.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin dēfendō meaning "to ward off," which came into English through Old French.