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.

Of all reigning male world champions from Britain, he was the only one to have defended his title.

From BBC

Later on Saturday, the USA's world champion ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates took to the arena to pull the defending champions further ahead after the free dance.

From Barron's

"I thought we defended exceptionally well, we kicked really well and we scored some nice tries, but I think we left a lot out there on the grass.," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC

Ominously they take on France, the defending champions who took apart Ireland on Thursday night, next weekend.

From BBC

When asked if the darkness could have played a part in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, several local people disputed that theory, defending Tucson's rules against light pollution.

From BBC

defend

Example Sentences

Related Words