26984 words

defend

13 definitions • 31 examples
1
to protect someone or something against attack or criticism:

Examples:

How can we defend our homeland if we don't have an army?
defend someone/something against something White blood cells help defend the body against infection.
defend against Scientists have examined how healthy lungs defend against asthma attacks.
defend someone’s rights The minister has committed herself to defending the rights of marginalized groups.
defend someone’s interests We are simply trying to defend our own interests.
They are fighting to defend their beliefs.
defend yourself I'm going to karate lessons to learn how to defend myself.
The Bank of England intervened this morning to defend the pound (= stop it from losing value).
2
to speak or write in support of someone or something:

Examples:

He vigorously defended his point of view.
The president was asked how he could defend a policy that increased unemployment.
3
to try to prove in court that someone who has been accused of something is not guilty:

Examples:

He is a lawyer who has defended many famous clients.
The accused opted to defend himself in court.
The company has spent a lot of money defending the case.
Jane Clarke, defending, said that her client had struggled with his mental health.
defend against She vowed to vigorously defend against the allegations.
4
to compete in a sports competition that you won before and try to win it again:

Examples:

He will defend his 1,500 metre title this weekend.
The defending champion will play her first match of the tournament tomorrow.
5
to try to prevent the opposing player or players from scoring points, goals, etc. in a sport:

Examples:

In the last ten minutes of the game, we needed to defend.
6
to protect yourself against attack or criticism:

Examples:

I'm going to karate lessons to learn how to defend myself.
She defended herself vehemently against the accusations.
7
to protect someone or something from attack or harm:

Examples:

Communities will fight to defend themselves.
How can people best defend themselves against disease?
8
To defend is also to argue in support of something, esp. when it has been criticized:

Examples:

She defended her husband against the accusations.
9
(in sports) to try to prevent the opposition from scoring points in a competition, or to guard a goal or other position:

Examples:

[ I ] Jones is a difficult player to defend against.
10
to protect someone or something against attack, criticism, or loss:

Examples:

defend sth/yourself against sth The company has been defending itself against a takeover bid.
The unions accused the government of not doing enough to defend jobs.
defend your decision/actions
11
to take action to stop a currency from losing value:

Examples:

The Bank of England stepped in today to defend the pound.
12
to be the lawyer speaking for a person or organization in a court of law, or speaking about a particular case:

Examples:

The accused CEO was defended by one of the country's leading lawyers.
The attorney general, whose office defended the case on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, said he anticipates an appeal.
13
if you defend a legal case against you, you arrange for it to be discussed in a court of law:

Examples:

If you want to defend a claim against you, you have 30 days to file a Statement of Reply with the Tribunal.

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