defend
Translation
to defend, to protect, to guard
Examples
The soldiers defended the castle.
The soldiers defended the castle.
She had to defend her actions to the committee.
She had to defend her actions to the committee.
The lawyer will defend her client in court.
The lawyer will defend her client in court.
Grammar Patterns
to defend ((sb./sth.)) to protect someone or something The goalie's job is to defend the net.
to defend ((sb./sth.)) against ((sb./sth.)) to protect from a specific threat We must defend our country against enemies.
to defend ((oneself)) to protect oneself You need to learn how to defend yourself.
Similar Words
Synonyms: protect, guard, shield; Antonyms: attack, assault
Etymology
From Latin 'defendere' (to ward off, protect). 'de-' (away) + '-fendere' (to strike).
Memory Tips
Imagine putting up a 'fence' to ward off an attack.