What is another word for defends?

Common synonyms for defends include attack, champion, oppose, defend, guard.

What is the opposite of defends?

Antonyms of defends include attacks, assaults, invades, offends, challenges.

Synonyms for

Defends

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

Definition

to protect or guard from attack

Synonyms & similar words

attack champion oppose defend guard prosecute fight fendfor hold maintain fightdown support represent fightback protects guards shields safeguards upholds preserves champions supports secures covers maintains averts repels resists opposes contests challenges argues debates

Synonyms by register

Formal

protects safeguards vindicates justifies

Informal

backs supports covers holds the line

Literary

shields wards fends

Antonyms

attacks assaults invades offends challenges assails strikes

Common collocations

defends the realm
defends the title
defends the innocent
defends the country
defends the faith
defends his position
defends himself

Word family

noun defense

verb defend

adjective defensive

adverb defensively

Usage note

The verb 'defends' is often used in contexts of protection, justification, or argument. It can imply actively resisting an attack or asserting the validity of something.

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