Looking for the meaning of the word DEFEND in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of DEFEND with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Defend
Speech Type: Verb
Middle English: from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from de- ‘off’ + -fendere ‘to strike’. Compare with offend
dɪˈfɛnd
resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger
Short Definition:protect
Examples:- we shall defend our island, whatever the cost
conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit
Short Definition:conduct case for accused person
Examples:- he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners
(in sport) protect one's goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one's opponents
Short Definition:protect goal or wicket
Examples:- they were forced to defend for long periods
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