Defended: meaning, definitions and examples

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defended

 

[dɪˈfɛndɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a legal context

To defend means to protect oneself against a legal challenge by denying the truth of the allegations made.

Synonyms

justify, protect, safeguard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defended

This word is commonly used when talking about protecting someone or something from attack or harm. It often appears in military, legal, or debate contexts.

  • The lawyer defended his client in court.
  • The soldiers defended the fortress bravely.
protect

This word is used when you want to keep someone or something safe from harm, danger, or injury. It is often used in general or everyday situations.

  • Parents always try to protect their children.
  • Wear a helmet to protect your head.
safeguard

This term is used in more formal contexts, often involving measures or actions put in place to prevent potential harm. It is common in business, law, and health contexts.

  • New policies were implemented to safeguard employee data.
  • They took steps to safeguard the company's assets.
justify

Use this when you need to give reasons or explanations for something, often to show that it is reasonable or necessary. It can appear in both positive and negative situations.

  • She needed to justify her absence from the meeting.
  • He couldn't justify spending so much money on a new car.

Examples of usage

  • He defended himself against the false accusations in court.
  • The lawyer defended his client's innocence with strong evidence.
Context #2 | Verb

in a sports context

To defend means to attempt to prevent the opposition from scoring in a game or match.

Synonyms

block, guard, shield.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defended

This word is often used when someone stands up for or protects a person, idea, or place against an attack or criticism.

  • She defended her friend against the accusations
  • The soldiers defended the fort from invaders
guard

This word is used when someone watches over a person, place, or thing to protect it from harm or maintain order.

  • The security guard watches the entrance
  • She guarded her secrets closely
shield

This word is often used when someone or something provides protection from danger, harm, or unjust actions.

  • He used his arm to shield his eyes from the bright light
  • The umbrella shields you from the rain
block

This word is typically used when someone or something prevents movement or access to a place, person, or thing.

  • He blocked the doorway to prevent anyone from leaving
  • The software blocks inappropriate content

Examples of usage

  • The goalkeeper defended the goal with great skill.
  • The team worked together to defend their lead until the end of the game.
Context #3 | Verb

in a general context

To defend means to support or uphold a particular idea, belief, or person.

Synonyms

back up, support, uphold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defended

Use this word when someone is protecting themselves, someone else, or an idea from criticism or attack.

  • She defended her opinion during the debate
  • He defended his friend from the bully
support

Support can be used in a wide variety of contexts, including providing emotional, financial, or moral help.

  • Her family came to support her during the trial
  • This charity supports homeless people
back up

This is a more casual phrase for giving support or helping prove something. Often used in conversation or less formal situations.

  • Can you back up my story when the teacher asks? The evidence will back up our claims
uphold

Often used in more formal or legal contexts when ensuring that principles, laws, or decisions are maintained.

  • The judge decided to uphold the original verdict
  • Our organization aims to uphold human rights

Examples of usage

  • She defended her friend's actions when others criticized him.
  • The politician defended his controversial decision in a press conference.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'defended' comes from the Latin word 'defendere', meaning 'to ward off' or 'protect'.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally denoting the act of protecting someone in a legal context.

Legal Context

  • In law, a defendant is someone who is defending themselves against accusations in a court.
  • Legal defenses can include arguing self-defense, necessity, or lack of intent to show protection of one's rights.

Military Studies

  • Military strategy involves defending territory from adversaries, often employing tactics like fortifications and ambushes.
  • The concept of a 'defensive line' in military terms refers to a frontline meant to protect and withstand attacks.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, defending can refer to protecting one's self-esteem or beliefs from criticism.
  • Defense mechanisms are strategies used by the mind to avoid feeling anxiety, such as rationalization or denial.

Sports

  • In sports like football or basketball, defending refers to the actions taken to prevent the other team from scoring.
  • Effective defending can require both physical skill and strategic thinking, similar to chess where players predict moves.

Translations

Translations of the word "defended" in other languages:

🇵🇹 defendeu

🇮🇳 रक्षा की

🇩🇪 verteidigte

🇮🇩 membela

🇺🇦 захистив

🇵🇱 bronił

🇯🇵 守った (mamotta)

🇫🇷 défendu

🇪🇸 defendió

🇹🇷 savundu

🇰🇷 방어했다 (bang-eohaetda)

🇸🇦 دافع

🇨🇿 bránil

🇸🇰 bránil

🇨🇳 防卫了 (fángwèi le)

🇸🇮 branil

🇮🇸 varði

🇰🇿 қорғады

🇬🇪 დაიცვა (daitsva)

🇦🇿 müdafiə etdi

🇲🇽 defendió

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,414 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.