defend

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de protéger quelqu'un ou quelque chose contre une attaque, un danger ou une critique, ou pour soutenir une position par des arguments.

A verb used to indicate the act of protecting someone or something from attack, harm, or criticism, or to argue in support of a position.

1. Protect from harmB1formal

   To protect someone or something from attack, danger, or injury.

   défendre, protéger contre un danger

   • The soldiers defended the city from the enemy.
   • She defended her friend against the bullies.
   • The dog defended its owner from the intruder.

   Synonymesguardpreserveprotectsafeguardsecuresheltershield

   Antonymesassailassaultattackendangerimperiljeopardize

2. Support an argumentB2formal

   To argue in support of something, especially when it is being criticized.

   défendre (une position, une idée)

   • The lawyer defended her client in court.
   • He defended his decision to the board of directors.
   • She defended her thesis with strong evidence.

   Synonymesadvocatebackchampionjustifysubstantiatesupportupholdvindicate

   Antonymesassailattackcriticize

3. Sports: prevent scoringB1informal

   In sports, to try to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

   Défendre (sports)

   • The team defended well throughout the match.
   • He defended the goal with a spectacular save.
   • They defended their title successfully in the championship.

   Synonymesblockcoverguardmarkprotectrepelresist