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Definition defend in British English

defend verb

verb
/dɪˈfend/
1

to protect someone or something from attack

Example

Thousands of young men came forward, willing to defend their country.

Example

Steps are being taken to defend the city against attack.

Example

You have a right to defend yourself if you are being attacked.

Synonyms and related words
protect defend save
2

to prevent something from failing, stopping, or being taken away

Example

Hundreds of miners are fighting to defend their jobs.

Example

We will defend their right to free speech.

Synonyms and related words
protect defend save
3

to say things to support someone or something that is being criticized

Example

Mr Rose defended the committee's decision to publish the report early.

Example

He vigorously defended his party's record on human rights.

Example

They must be given the opportunity to defend themselves against these allegations.

Synonyms and related words
protect defend save
4

to play in a team sport in a position in which you are trying to prevent the other team from getting points

Example

The opposition defended brilliantly in the second half.

Synonyms and related words
play race meet
5

to attempt to win a competition that you won last time in order to keep your position as winner

Example

She will be defending her Wimbledon title later this month.

Example

Can Baxter successfully defend his heavyweight championship?

Synonyms and related words
play race meet
6

to be the lawyer in a court case who tries to prove that someone is not guilty

Synonyms and related words
affirm allow all rise
Definition defend in British English