defend

verbs

argue or speak in defense of

"She supported the motion to strike"

defend, fend for, support

is derived from

defender

is derived from

defence

be on the defensive; act against an attack

defend

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is derived from

is derived from

antonym

entails

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

"the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country"

contend, fight, struggle

is a type of (narrower)

stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state

"We must prevent the cancer from spreading"; "His snoring kept me from falling asleep"; "Keep the child from eating the marbles"

keep, prevent

protect against a challenge or attack

"Hold that position behind the trees!"; "Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks"

defend, guard, hold

is derived from

is derived from

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fight against or resist strongly

"The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!"

defend, fight, fight back, fight down, oppose

is derived from

defensive

protect or fight for as a champion

champion, defend

is derived from

defensible

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defender

be the defense counsel for someone in a trial

"Ms. Smith will represent the defendant"

defend, represent

is derived from

defendant

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defence

antonym

prosecute

state or assert

"He maintained his innocence"

defend, maintain

is derived from

defensible

is derived from

defensive