definitions

defend

[ dih-fend ]
/ dɪˈfɛnd /
||

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Law. to enter or make a defense.

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Nearby words

defector, defederalize, defence, defence in depth, defence mechanism, defend, defendant, defender of the bond, defender of the faith, defenestrate, defenestration

Origin of defend

1200–50; Middle English defenden < Old French defendre < Latin dēfendere to ward off, equivalent to dē- de- + -fendere to strike

SYNONYMS FOR defend

1 shelter, screen, shield; garrison, fortify.
2 vindicate.

ANTONYMS FOR defend

1 attack.

Related forms

Synonym study

1. Defend, guard, preserve, protect all mean to keep safe. To defend is to strive to keep safe by resisting attack: to defend one's country. To guard is to watch over in order to keep safe: to guard a camp. To preserve is to keep safe in the midst of danger, either in a single instance or continuously: to preserve a spirit of conciliation. To protect is to keep safe by interposing a shield or barrier: to protect books by means of heavy paper covers.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for well-defended

British Dictionary definitions for well-defended (1 of 2)

well-defended

adjective (well defended when postpositive)

having sufficient defences against attack

British Dictionary definitions for well-defended (2 of 2)

defend

/ (dɪˈfɛnd) /

verb

to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on
(tr) to support in the face of criticism, esp by argument or evidence
to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action
sport to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc) against attack
(tr) to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge

Derived Forms

defendable, adjectivedefender, noun

Word Origin for defend

C13: from Old French defendre, from Latin dēfendere to ward off, from de- + -fendere to strike
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012