defend

[dih-fend] / dɪˈfɛnd /

VERB

protect

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contend fight fight for guard hold maintain oppose preserve prevent resist safeguard secure shield uphold

STRONG

avert battle bulwark cherish conserve cover entrench espouse fortify foster garrison hedge house insure mine nourish save screen shelter sustain war watch withstand

WEAK

beat off care for fend off guard against hold at bay keep safe look after panoply provide sanctuary repel danger stave off take in ward off watch over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon desert endanger give up harm hurt ignore injure let go lose neglect support surrender

STRONG

forsake make peace

WEAK

attack leave quit relinquish renounce resign

VERB

show support for

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold

STRONG

aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant

WEAK

apologize for back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

oppose protest reject

STRONG

accuse blame condemn

WEAK

abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce

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.

The USA defended manfully, including a period when they were three against five with two in the penalty box.

From BBC

Though England defended 128 on this ground in a series before the World Cup, Sri Lanka chased 182 with two overs to spare to beat Australia here in the group stage.

From BBC

There is an adage in sports that it is harder to defend a championship than to win it.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m proud of the work our organization has done…to advance economic freedom and defend the Constitution,” he wrote.

From Salon

There she remained after the first run, with a score of 90.50, after Gu - the defending champion - had fallen on her opening trick.

From BBC

defend

Example Sentences

Related Words