defend
verb (used with object)
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
defended
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past participleof defend.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof defend.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
defendverb (used with object)to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While the company and authorities have defended the technology for helping fight crime, reports of misuse have only fanned the flame this summer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026
The University of Cambridge initially robustly defended Jason Arday then announced an investigation into his appointment and tenure amid growing disquiet.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell subsequently defended the change, saying it was needed to "spend more and invest in our public services".
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
Ellison has repeatedly defended his proposed purchase, saying the tie-up does not threaten competition because Hollywood has been transformed by Netflix and other deep-pocketed tech giants.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
“I defended our land. I can raise horses.”
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
