1. (sports) currently holding a title and attempting to prevent others from winning it
   "the defending champion"
    
2. Engaged in protection or defence against attack
   "The defending army took up positions along the wall"
    
3. (law) representing or acting for the accused party in legal proceedings
   "The defending attorney presented new evidence"

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

See also: defensive

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

Antonym: assail, prosecute

Encyclopedia: Defend