defend
verb (used with object)
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
defending
-
present participleof defend.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
“His legacy is his children,” she continued, while calling out Wilson’s own hypocrisy for defending Erika Kirk despite long arguing that a woman belongs in the home, not the office.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
The office of the state attorney general is responsible for defending death penalty convictions on appeal.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Eleven of the top 16 seeds reached the fourth round, led by two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
But now that we’ve both experienced our sons defending someone else’s thesis, I believe I can speak for the two of us.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
“They had no other choice,” Juanita whispered, defending her sisters.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
