English dictionary



Hint: Question mark (?) is a wildcard. Question mark substitutes one character.

English verb: defend

1. defend (communication) argue or speak in defense of


SamplesShe supported the motion to strike.


Synonymsfend for, support


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)argue, reason


Narrower (hyponym)apologise, apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise, rationalize, stand up, stick up, uphold

2. defend (competition) be on the defensive; act against an attack


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)keep, prevent


Narrower (hyponym)arrest, bulwark, check, contain, hold back, protect, stop, turn back, ward off


Entailcontend, fight, struggle


Antonymsattack, assail

3. defend (competition) protect against a challenge or attack


SamplesHold that position behind the trees!.
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks.


Synonymsguard, hold


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)protect


Verb grouphold

4. defend (competition) fight against or resist strongly


SamplesThe senator said he would oppose the bill.
Don't fight it!.


Synonymsfight, fight back, fight down, oppose


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)contend, fight, struggle


Narrower (hyponym)drive back, fend, fight off, hold out, rebuff, recalcitrate, repel, repulse, resist, resist, stand, stand firm, withstand

5. defend (competition) protect or fight for as a champion


Synonymschampion


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for, support

6. defend (social) be the defense counsel for someone in a trial


SamplesMs. Smith will represent the defendant.


ExamplesThey want to defend the prisoners


Synonymsrepresent


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Antonymsprosecute

7. defend (communication) state or assert


SamplesHe maintained his innocence.


Synonymsmaintain


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE


Broader (hypernym)affirm


Narrower (hyponym)vindicate









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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