wehren
Translation
to defend, to resist, to prevent
Examples
Er wehrte sich gegen den Angriff.
He defended himself against the attack.
Man muss dem Unrecht wehren.
One must resist injustice.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((gegen+4)) wehren to defend oneself ((against sth.)) She defended herself against the criticism.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verteidigen (to defend), widerstehen (to resist); Antonyms: nachgeben (to give in), aufgeben (to give up)
Etymology
From Old High German 'werien' (to defend, protect). Related to English 'war' and 'weir' (a dam that defends against water).
Memory Tips
Think of going to 'war' to 'wehren' (defend) your country. The reflexive form 'sich wehren' (to defend oneself) is very common.