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.

Crawley at least found form with the grittiest of knocks, adding 78 with Joe Root then 68 with Harry Brook, defending well and attacking loose balls.

From Barron's

India are the defending champions, having beaten South Africa in a thrilling 2024 final in Barbados.

From Barron's

He scored only one run from the first 28 deliveries he faced, leaving well and defending solidly.

From BBC

On Wednesday, the president delivered a rare prime-time address from the White House in which he defended his administration’s economic policies and marked the close of his first year in power.

From The Wall Street Journal

That will depend on the defending NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles, who can wrap up their division with a win over the lowly Washington Commanders on Saturday.

From Barron's

defend

Example Sentences

Related Words