Definition

1. Verb:
   • To defend: To argue in support of someone or something, especially in a court of law or in a dispute, by providing reasons and evidence.
   • To act as counsel for: To serve as a legal representative for a party in a court case.
   • To act as an apologist for: To speak or write in defense of a doctrine, faith, action, or person, often one that is controversial or under criticism.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Luật sư biện hộ cho bị cáo rất tận tâm. (The lawyer defended the accused very diligently.)
  • Anh ấy luôn biện hộ cho những quyết định của mình. (He always defends his own decisions.)
  • Cô ấy viết bài báo để biện hộ cho quan điểm đó. (She wrote an article to act as an apologist for that viewpoint.)

Advanced Usage

• "biện hộ viên": A defender, counsel, or apologist. This is a noun form referring to the person who performs the act of defending.
  • Biện hộ viên đưa ra những lập luận thuyết phục. (The counsel presented convincing arguments.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bào chữa (v): To defend, to excuse. Often used interchangeably with "biện hộ" in legal contexts, but can imply making excuses in everyday situations.
  • Luật sư bào chữa cho thân chủ. (The lawyer defended his client.)
• Bênh vực (v): To stand up for, to take someone's side. This is more general and emotional, not specifically legal.
  • Anh ấy luôn bênh vực bạn mình. (He always stands up for his friend.)

Synonyms

• Defend: To protect from harm or criticism.
• Plead (a case): To argue a case in court.
• Justify: To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
• Advocate for: To publicly recommend or support.

Related Idioms

• Lời biện hộ: A defense, a plea, an apology (in the classical sense of a formal justification).
  • Lời biện hộ của luật sư đã làm cả tòa án xúc động. (The lawyer's plea moved the entire court.)

verb

1. To defend, to act as counsel for, to act as apologist for
   • biện hộ cho bên bị
     to defend the defendant
   • biện hộ cho bên nguyên
     to act as counsel for the plaintiff