defend
Translation
to defend, to protect, to guard, to justify
Examples
The soldiers defended the castle from attack.
The soldiers defended the castle from attack.
She had to defend her actions to the board.
She had to defend her actions to the board.
The lawyer will defend the client in court.
The lawyer will defend the client in court.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((from/against sb./sth.)) to protect (sb./sth.) from harm The soldiers defended the castle from attack.
((sth.)) to justify (sth.) She had to defend her actions to the board.
((sb.)) to act as a lawyer for (sb.) The lawyer will defend the client in court.
Similar Words
Synonyms: protect, guard, shield; Antonyms: attack, assault
Etymology
From Latin 'defendere' (to ward off), from 'de-' (off) + '-fendere' (to strike).
Memory Tips
Think of building a 'fence' to 'de-fend' against something, which means to protect.