1. Be on the defensive; act against an attack
   "The team defended well against the opposition's offence"
    
2. Argue or speak in defence of
   "She defended the motion to strike";
   - support
    
3. Protect against a challenge or attack
   "defend that position behind the trees!";
   - guard, hold
    
4. Fight against or resist strongly
   "Don't defend it!";
   - fight, oppose, fight back, fight down, dispute
    
5. Protect or fight for as a champion
   "She defended the rights of minorities";
   - champion
    
6. Be the defence counsel for someone in a trial
   "Ms. Smith will defend the defendant";
   - represent
    
7. Continue to assert or uphold (a position or belief) despite opposition
   "He defended his innocence";
   - maintain

Derived forms: defending, defends, defended

Type of: affirm, argue, back, bring, endorse, fight, indorse [rare], institute, keep, plump for, prevent, protect, reason, struggle, support

Antonym: assail, prosecute

Encyclopedia: Defend