defend

/di'fend/

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Explanation of the Word "Defend"

Part of Speech: Verb

Usage Instructions

1. Basic Usage: Use "defend" when you want to express that someone is protecting or supporting someone else or a belief.

2. Contexts: You can use "defend" in legal contexts (like a courtroom) or in everyday situations where someone stands up for another person or an idea.

Examples

1. Everyday Context:

   • "She had to defend her opinion during the debate."

2. Legal Context:

   • "The lawyer will defend the accused in court."

3. Physical Context:

   • "The soldiers were ready to defend the castle from the enemy."

Advanced Usage

• In a more advanced context, "defend" can be used in discussions about abstract concepts, such as defending a theory or a political stance.
  • Example: "The scientist defended her research findings against criticism."

Word Variants

1. Defender (noun): A person who defends someone or something.

   • Example: "He is a strong defender of human rights."

2. Defense (noun): The act of defending or protecting.

   • Example: "The team's defense was strong throughout the game."

3. Defensive (adjective): Relating to the act of defending.

   • Example: "She took a defensive stance during the argument."

Different Meanings

1. Legal Meaning: In a legal sense, to defend means to represent someone in a trial.

   • Example: "The defense presented strong evidence to prove the client's innocence."

2. Physical Protection: To defend can also mean to physically protect oneself or others.

   • Example: "He defended himself against the attacker."

Synonyms

• Protect
• Guard
• Support
• Uphold
• Justify

Idioms

• "Defend to the death": To support someone or something very strongly, even if it leads to serious consequences.
  • Example: "She said she would defend her friend to the death."

Phrasal Verbs

• "Defend against": To protect someone or something from an attack or criticism.
  • Example: "The lawyer had to defend against many accusations."

Summary

To "defend" is a versatile verb that can be used in a variety of contexts, from arguing in court to standing up for a friend or idea.

Academic

Verb

1. state or assert
   • He maintained his innocence
2. be the defense counsel for someone in a trial
   • Ms. Smith will represent the defendant
3. protect or fight for as a champion
4. fight against or resist strongly
   • The senator said he would oppose the bill
   • Don't fight it!
5. protect against a challenge or attack
   • Hold that position behind the trees!
   • Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
6. be on the defensive; act against an attack
7. argue or speak in defense of
   • She supported the motion to strike

Synonyms

• maintain
• represent
• champion
• fight
• oppose
• fight back
• fight down
• guard
• hold
• support
• fend for