English verb: defend | |||
1. | defend (communication) argue or speak in defense of | ||
Samples | She supported the motion to strike. | ||
Synonyms | fend for, support | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----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 use | Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | keep, prevent | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | arrest, bulwark, check, contain, hold back, protect, stop, turn back, ward off | ||
Entail | contend, fight, struggle | ||
Antonyms | attack, assail | ||
3. | defend (competition) protect against a challenge or attack | ||
Samples | Hold that position behind the trees!. Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks. | ||
Synonyms | guard, hold | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | protect | ||
Verb group | hold | ||
4. | defend (competition) fight against or resist strongly | ||
Samples | The senator said he would oppose the bill. Don't fight it!. | ||
Synonyms | fight, fight back, fight down, oppose | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----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 | ||
Synonyms | champion | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----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 | ||
Samples | Ms. Smith will represent the defendant. | ||
Examples | They want to defend the prisoners | ||
Synonyms | represent | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Antonyms | prosecute | ||
7. | defend (communication) state or assert | ||
Samples | He maintained his innocence. | ||
Synonyms | maintain | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s that CLAUSE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | affirm | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | vindicate | ||