Definition of defend

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de·fend    (d-fnd) KEY 

VERB:
de·fend·ed, de·fend·ing, de·fends
VERB:
tr.

1. To make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm.
2. Sports
   1. To attempt to prevent the opposition from scoring while playing in or near (a goal or area of a field, for example).
   2. To be responsible for guarding (an opposing player).
   3. To compete against a challenger in an attempt to retain (a championship).
3. To support or maintain, as by argument or action; justify.
4. Law
   1. To represent (a defendant) in a civil or criminal action.
   2. To attempt to disprove or invalidate (an action or claim).

VERB:
intr.

1. To make a defense.
2. Sports To play defense.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English defenden, from Old French defendre, from Latin dfendere, to ward off; see g^when- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
de·fenda·ble(Adjective), de·fender(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
defend, protect, guard, preserve, shield, safeguard

These verbs mean to make or keep safe from danger, attack, or harm. Defend implies repelling an attack: defending her territory; defended his reputation. Protect often suggests providing a barrier to discomfort, injury, or attack: bought a dog to protect the children; wore sunglasses to protect her eyes. Guard suggests keeping watch: guarded the house against intruders. To preserve is to take measures to maintain something in safety: ecologists working to preserve our natural resources. Shield suggests protecting with a piece of defensive armor: hid the newspaper to shield me from the bad news. Safeguard stresses protection against potential danger: The Bill of Rights safeguards our individual liberties.