defend against

VERB

prevent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert avoid bar block counter forbid forestall halt hamper hinder impede inhibit limit preclude prohibit put an end to restrain restrict rule out stop thwart ward off

STRONG

anticipate arrest baffle balk check chill cool cork counteract dam debar foil forfend frustrate intercept interdict interrupt obstruct obviate repress retard

WEAK

dead-end head off hold back hold off keep lid on nip in the bud put a stop to shut out stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow approve assist continue encourage facilitate forward free help let go open permit promote push release support

STRONG

abet heat liberate warm

WEAK

cause

VERB

stave

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate avert avoid counteract foil forestall halt hold off preclude put an end to rule out thwart ward off

STRONG

arrest baffle balk bar block check chill cool cork counter dam debar forbid forfend frustrate hamper hinder impede inhibit intercept interdict interrupt limit obstruct obviate prohibit repress restrain restrict retard stop ward

WEAK

head off hold back keep lid on nip in the bud put a stop to shut out stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist forward help support

STRONG

abet advance allow approve continue encourage expedite facilitate free heat let go liberate open permit promote push release unblock warm

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.

Already limited supplies of Patriot interceptors were further strained this year after the U.S. and Gulf states consumed dozens of the interceptors almost daily to defend against Iranian ballistic missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

Some goes to a plan that was carefully constructed to defend against a different problem entirely.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

Paramount hires powerhouse attorney Jeffrey Kessler to defend against potential antitrust challenges.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

"Everyone needs to have cybersecurity systems that can defend against attackers who are themselves equipped with AI," Mensch said.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

In Tochi s changed persona, in her need to defend against imagined slights, Ifemelu saw a great personal unhappiness.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

defend against

Example Sentences

Related Words