Synonyms for

Defend

Verb / dɪˈfend / Another word for defend — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to protect or guard someone or something from harm or danger

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • defend the country
  • defend the title
  • defend a position
  • defend oneself
  • defend the faith
  • defend the weak
  • defend the innocent

Word family

noun defense
verb defend
adjective defensive

Usage note

When defending a legal case, 'defend' is often used with 'against' or 'from'. For example, 'He defended himself against the charges'.

Example sentences

  1. My dog barks to defend our house.
  2. I will defend my friends from bullies.
  3. The castle was built to defend against enemies.
  4. The lawyer will defend his client in the court.
  5. I need to defend my title as the champion.

Quotes

  • The best defense is a good offense.
  • To defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilization you need education.
  • We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was 'legal' and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was 'illegal.' It was 'illegal' to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler's Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers.

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