defend

verb

• 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