Defend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก๏ธ
defend
[dษชหfษnd ]
Definitions
in a legal context
To defend means to protect someone or something from attack, harm, or danger. It can also refer to arguing in favor of someone or something in a legal setting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defend |
Use this word when talking about protecting someone or something from an attack, criticism, or danger. This can be both physical and verbal defense.
|
| protect |
Best for general situations where one wants to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or injury, often implying a more proactive and ongoing action.
|
| guard |
This word is best utilized when referring to someone or something that keeps watch over something to prevent harm or unauthorized access.
|
| shield |
Most suitable in contexts where there is an act of covering or safeguarding someone or something from a specific threat or impact, often implying a physical barrier.
|
Examples of usage
- He hired a lawyer to defend him in court.
- She defended her thesis against criticism.
- The soldiers defended the castle from the enemy.
- We must defend our rights as citizens.
- The attorney will defend the accused in the trial.
in a sports context
To defend in sports means to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking their attempts to advance or shoot.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defend |
This word is often used when you're talking about protecting something or someone from physical or verbal attack. It can be used in formal or informal situations.
|
| protect |
This word is used when you are keeping someone or something safe from harm or injury. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.
|
| guard |
This word is often used in a context where someone is watching over and protecting a place, person, or object. It implies a continuous or duty-bound action.
|
| block |
This word is used when you mean to stop something from passing through or to obstruct something. It can be applied to physical and non-physical barriers.
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Examples of usage
- The goalkeeper made a great save to defend the goal.
- The basketball player defended the opponent with a strong defense.
- The team needs to work on their defending skills.
general context
A defend can refer to an act or action of defending someone or something.
Synonyms
defense, guarding, protection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defend |
Used when someone needs to protect themselves or someone else verbally or physically from an attack or criticism.
|
| protection |
Represents a broader concept of keeping someone or something safe, applicable in various scenarios including legal, physical, and emotional safety.
|
| defense |
Refers to the act of protecting oneself or something from harm, often used in legal, sports, and military contexts.
|
| guarding |
Indicates actively watching over someone or something to prevent harm or unauthorized access, often used in security or military contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- She put up a strong defend against the criticism.
- His defend of the company's policies was admirable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal contexts, to defend means to argue in favor of a person charged with a crime or civil wrongdoing.
- People often hire defense attorneys to protect their rights and interests in court.
- Self-defense laws allow individuals to protect themselves from harm under certain conditions.
Sports
- In sports, defending refers to the actions taken to stop an opponent from scoring, like a player blocking a shot in basketball.
- Teams often have designated defenders, whose primary role is to safeguard their goal or area from the opposing team.
- Strategies in defense can change based on the game's dynamics, showing the adaptability of defense tactics.
Psychology
- In psychology, 'defense mechanisms' are mental tactics used to cope with stress, protecting the mind from anxiety.
- Common defense mechanisms include denial, repression, and rationalization, helping individuals manage uncomfortable feelings.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic practices and self-awareness.
Literature
- In literature, characters often must defend their beliefs or loved ones, creating tension and driving the plot.
- Famous works include 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' where Atticus Finch defends an innocent man, symbolizing moral courage.
- Defending ideals, like freedom or justice, is a common theme across novels, reflecting social and political struggles.
Origin of 'defend'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'defendere,' which means 'to ward off' or 'to protect.'
- Old French used the term 'defendre' around the 12th century, which evolved into the English form we use today.
- The root 'fend' relates to the idea of striking or driving off, linking it to physical acts of protection.
The word 'defend' originated from the Latin word 'defendere', which means 'to ward off, protect'. It has been used in English since the 13th century, evolving from its Latin roots to encompass various meanings related to protection, legal advocacy, and sports. The concept of defending has been essential throughout history, from defending territories in wars to defending rights in legal battles.
See also: defence, defendant, defendants, defended, defender, defenders, defending, defendingly, defense, defensive.