defend
verb (used with object)
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
had defended
-
past perfectof defend.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
At the start of his show on Monday night, Kimmel had defended his comments about the first lady.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
"But when we began to become competitive... those who had defended free trade became protectionists," he complained.
From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026
Ms Kutina had defended her lifestyle in video interviews to Indian news agency ANI, saying she and her children were happy living like that and that "nature gives good health".
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2025
He had defended the arrangement, saying his expertise made him worth the $500,000.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2025
She had defended me, protected me, just as my African mother would have done.
From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince
