defend
verb (used with object)
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from oragainst ).
has defended
-
present perfectof defend (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
Analysts say the US plan to isolate Iran would require unlikely cooperation from trading partner China, which has defended its cooperation with Tehran and vowed to safeguard its interests.
From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026
Hernandez has defended Israel’s right to defend itself.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
The US has defended the third-country deals as lawful, despite rights groups criticising the arrangements as opaque and many of the deportees ultimately being repatriated.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Knox has defended the show, saying on her Instagram account that her performance “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory and calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Nature has defended itself from an unruly zero.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
