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.

“You’re not going to vibecode to defend against threats.”

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

He announced the country’s armed forces were “on high alert” and ready to defend against any threat, while being open to Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The deal includes air-defense systems, radar and Patriot PAC-3 missiles aimed at helping the allies defend against Iranian attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"We're acting now to defend against the consequences of far-away conflicts in an uncertain world," she added.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The ones Helene won’t be able to defend against.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

defend against

Example Sentences

Related Words