defending

6 definitions • 18 examples

present participle of

to protect someone or something against attack or criticism:

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).

to speak or write in support of someone or something:

He vigorously defended his point of view.

The president was asked how he could defend a policy that increased unemployment.

to try to prove in court that someone who has been accused of something is not guilty:

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.

to compete in a sports competition that you won before and try to win it again:

He will defend his 1,500 metre title this weekend.

The defending champion will play her first match of the tournament tomorrow.

to try to prevent the opposing player or players from scoring points, goals, etc. in a sport:

In the last ten minutes of the game, we needed to defend.