Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring: This describes the actions, position, or role of a person or team whose primary objective is to stop the opposing side from achieving their goal, such as scoring points or winning a game. It is most commonly used in sports and competitive contexts.
   • Protecting or guarding against attack: In a broader sense, it can describe the act of protecting something, such as a title, a territory, or an idea, from challenge or criticism.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The defending champion will face a tough challenge in the next round. (The champion who currently holds the title and must protect it.)
  • Their team has a strong defending strategy, making it hard for opponents to score. (Their team's plan is focused on preventing the other team from scoring.)
  • The soldiers took up defending positions around the city. (The soldiers positioned themselves to protect the city from attack.)

Advanced Usage

• "Defending against": This phrase specifies what is being protected from.
  • The company is focused on defending against cyberattacks. (The company is working to protect itself from cyberattacks.)
• In legal contexts, "defending" can describe the role of a lawyer representing a client in court.
  • The attorney is defending her client against the charges. (The lawyer is arguing in court to protect her client from the accusations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Defend (verb): To protect from harm, attack, or challenge.
  • He will defend his doctoral thesis next week.
• Defense (noun): The action of defending or the means/resources used to defend.
  • The team's defense was impenetrable.
• Defender (noun): A person who defends.
  • She is a passionate defender of human rights.
• Defensive (adjective): Used or intended to defend or protect; also describes a sensitive attitude to criticism.
  • The army took defensive measures. / He became defensive when asked about the mistake.

Synonyms

• Protecting: Keeping safe from harm or danger.
• Guarding: Watching over and protecting.
• Shielding: Protecting from something specific.

Related Phrases

• On the defensive: In a state or position of resisting attack or criticism.
  • The scandal put the politician on the defensive.
• Defend one's title: To compete as a current champion to retain a championship.
  • The athlete successfully defended her title for the third time.

Adjective

1. attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring