defend
verb
[ dɪˈfɛnd ]
• resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger.
• "we shall defend our island, whatever the cost"
Similar:
protect,
guard,
safeguard,
keep from harm,
preserve,
secure,
shield,
shelter,
screen,
fortify,
garrison,
barricade,
fight for,
uphold,
support,
be on the side of,
take up cudgels for,
watch over,
be the defender of,
• conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit.
• "he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners"
• (in sport) protect one's goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one's opponents.
• "they were forced to defend for long periods"
Origin:
Middle English: from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from de- ‘off’ + -fendere ‘to strike’. Compare with offend.
