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de·fend
 defend
- pronunciation:
- dih
fend
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
defended, defending, defends |
| 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 struggled to defend her argument.When he spoke with the principal, he defended his son's actions.- 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 |
| derivation: |
defender (n.) |
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