Defend
/dɪˈfend/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo protect someone or something from attack or harm.
/dɪˈfend/
To protect from harm or attack.
The dog barked to defend its territory.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a superhero protecting your city from a villain. That's what defending means! It's about keeping something safe.
👶 For kids: To keep someone or something safe from getting hurt.
More Examples
We must defend our rights and freedoms.
The lawyer is going to defend the suspect in court.
How It's Used
"The soldiers defended the fort against the enemy attack."
"The lawyer defended her client against the charges."
"The team defended their title in the championship game."
To support a person, statement, or idea against opposition.
/dɪˈfend/
To support or maintain something, especially an argument or belief.
He defended his theory against criticism.
💡 Simply: Imagine you strongly believe something, like the importance of recycling. Defending means you are ready to explain why you believe it, even if someone disagrees!
👶 For kids: To say good things about something you believe in.
More Examples
The author defended the book's controversial themes.
She defended the company's practices during the interview.
How It's Used
"She defended her viewpoint with strong evidence."
"He defended his actions on moral grounds."
Idioms & expressions
defend the realm
To protect a country or its people.
"The military is charged with defending the realm from external threats."
From Middle English defenden, from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere ('to ward off, protect').
The word defend has been used since the 13th century, primarily referring to protection and shielding.
Memory tip
Think of a shield; you DEFEND against attacks.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: defendere