Verb

verteidigen

Translation

to defend, to protect, to advocate

Die Soldaten verteidigen das Land.

The soldiers defend the country.

Der Anwalt verteidigt seinen Mandanten.

The lawyer defends his client.

Sie verteidigt sich gegen die Vorwürfe.

She defends herself against the accusations.

Er hat seinen Titel erfolgreich verteidigt.

He successfully defended his title.

((sb./sth.)) verteidigen to defend sb./sth. The soldier defends his country.

sich⁴ ((gegen+4)) verteidigen to defend oneself against sth. He defends himself against the criticism.

Synonyms: schützen (to protect), bewachen (to guard); Antonyms: angreifen (to attack)

Prefix 'ver-' + 'teidigen'. Related to Old High German 'teiting' (dispute). The core idea is to act 'against' an attack or accusation.

Imagine a lawyer defending a client or a team defending their goal in a game. The 'ver-' prefix often implies acting for or against something.