defend
verb (used with object)
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
are defending
-
present progressiveof defend.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Dozens of Jewish artists are defending Mark Ruffalo after Paramount Skydance branded the actor’s criticisms about software company Oracle Corp. as “antisemitic tropes.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
BBC Studios has said: "We dispute this claim and are defending it."
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
The judges who are defending the Constitution and the rule of law are courageous examples for pro-democracy Americans and other people of conscience.
From Salon ● Apr. 21, 2026
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US channel ABC News on Sunday: "We are defending ourselves whatever it takes, and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people."
From Barron's ● Mar. 1, 2026
“I have, but I could make you all a target if I come. People think they are defending themselves, standing up for their people, but it’s all out of fear,” he told me.
From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani
