defend

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛnd/

verb

[with object]
  • 1resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger: we shall defend our island, whatever the cost
  • speak or write in favour of (an action or person); attempt to justify: he defended his policy of imposing high rates
  • compete to retain (a title or seat) in a contest or election: he won the party’s nomination to defend the Welsh seat (as adjective defending) the defending champion
  • 2conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit: he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners
  • 3 [no object] (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

Derivatives

defendable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from de- 'off' + -fendere 'to strike'. Compare with offend