defendde‧fend /dɪˈfend/ ●●● S3 W3 verb 
a struggle to defend our homelanddefend something against/from something the need to defend democracy against fascismdefend yourself (against/from somebody/something) advice on how women can defend themselves from sex attackersdefend against We need to defend against military aggression.2[transitive] to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right OPP attack: She was always defending her husband in front of their daughter. Students should be ready to explain and defend their views.defend somebody against/from somebody/something He defended his wife against rumours and allegations.defend yourself (against/from something) Cooper wrote to the journal immediately, defending himself.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say stand up for someone rather than defend someone:· She was the only person who stood up for me at the meeting.3[transitive] to do something in order to stop something from being taken away or in order to make it possible for something to continue: the workers’ attempts to defend their interests We are defending the right to demonstrate.4[intransitive, transitive] to protect your own team’s end of the field in a game such as football, in order to prevent your opponents from getting points OPP attack: Bournemouth defended well throughout the game.5[transitive] to take part in a competition that you won the last time it was held, and try to win it again: The world champion was defending his title. the defending champion He is defending a Labour majority of 5,000.6[intransitive, transitive] to be a lawyer for someone who has been charged with a crime OPP prosecute: He had top lawyers to defend him. Howard, defending, said Thompson had been drinking heavily.THESAURUSdefend to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: · The mayor defended the action, saying that it was the best option.stand up for somebody/something to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: · My grandfather would always stand up for what was right.· I don't want him fighting, but I do want him to stand up for himself.stick up for somebody informal to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: · The other kids tease her, but Sarah often sticks up for her.come to somebody's defence British English (also come to somebody's defense American English) to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: · Aitken's colleagues quickly came to his defence.
WORD ORIGINdefend
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from fendere ‘to hit’VERB TABLE
defend
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | defend |
| he, she, it | defends | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | defended |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have defended |
| he, she, it | has defended | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had defended |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will defend |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have defended |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am defending |
| he, she, it | is defending | |
| you, we, they | are defending | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was defending |
| you, we, they | were defending | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been defending |
| he, she, it | has been defending | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been defending |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be defending |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been defending |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Carey vigorously defended his fund-raising methods.
- Carson claims he was defending himself when he struck the other man.
- Cox moved quickly to defend her record as state senator.
- Everyone was shouting at me, and I never got a chance to defend myself.
- Freis defended a local radio station in a discrimination suit.
- Her speech defended the workers' right to strike.
- Hundreds of soldiers died while defending the town.
- It's difficult to defend a sport that involves hurting animals.
- She has repeatedly tried to defend her husband against hostile criticism in the press.
- The castle was built in 1549 to defend the island against invaders.
- The Fire Chief defended his staff and said that they had done everything possible to save the girl's life.
- The union said they would take action to defend their members' jobs.
- US troops in Panama will only be used to defend the Canal.
- But if the worst happens, you have every right to defend yourself with reasonable force.
- Eliot, who might have defended himself, let Shildon's bitterness go unremarked.
- For 42 desperate minutes Boro defended stoutly, but held on.
- For the rest of the year they wander their home ranges or defend their territories against all-comers.
- Kelly had another good solid game, making a couple of very good runs forward, and using his pace when defending.
- She is the current two-time defending national rhythmic gymnastics champion.
THESAURUS
to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: · The mayor defended the action, saying that it was the best option.
to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: · My grandfather would always stand up for what was right.· I don't want him fighting, but I do want him to stand up for himself.
informal to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: · The other kids tease her, but Sarah often sticks up for her.
British English (also come to somebody's defense American English) to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: · Aitken's colleagues quickly came to his defence.
Longman Language Activatorto defend a person, place, or country from attack to use physical or military force to protect a person or place that is being attacked: · Hundreds of soldiers died while defending the town.· US troops in Panama will only be used to defend the Canal.defend something against/from somebody: · The castle was built in 1549 to defend the island against invaders.defend yourself: · Carson claims he was defending himself when he struck the other man.
to prevent someone who is attacking you from coming any closer: hold off somebody/something: · The bunkers were built on the cliffs to hold off the enemy's landing forces.hold somebody/something off: · At that point our troops were too weak to hold them off.
British /defense American to defend another person or country that is being attacked: · Things seemed to be going badly until NATO forces came to their defence.come to the defence/defense of somebody: · Rhonda came to the defense of her brother by swinging a chain at his attacker.
British /defense of something American if you do something in defence of a place, especially your country, you do it in order to defend that place: · Would you be prepared to fight in defence of your country?· These brave young men have given their lives in defence of freedom.
used for defence against attack British /defense American all the weapons, soldiers, systems, or activities that a country uses to defend itself against attack by an enemy: · Defense is expected to be a big issue during the next election.defence/defense spending (=money spent on defence): · Defence spending has risen by 10% in the current budget.defence/defense system: · The military is continuing to work on its missile defense system.the defence/defense industry (=all the companies that make weapons): · The defence industry relies heavily on sales of weapons to foreign countries.
British /self-defense American methods used by countries or people to stop themselves from being attacked or harmed: · All nations have the right to self-defence.· self-defence classesin self-defence/defense (=in order to protect yourself): · She claims she shot him in self-defence.
British /defenses American all the soldiers and equipment that are available for defending a country or place: · The new radar system is an important part of the country's defences.· The country has responded to threats of invasion by strengthening its defenses.
used only for protecting your country or group, not for attacking someone else: · Police officers claimed that their actions during the riots were purely defensive.defensive weapons/position/measures: · According to the report, only defensive weapons had been supplied to Iran.
to defend an idea or person when they are criticized to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: · It's difficult to defend a sport that involves hurting animals.· Her speech defended the workers' right to strike.· The Fire Chief defended his staff and said that they had done everything possible to save the girl's life.defend somebody against/from something: · She has repeatedly tried to defend her husband against hostile criticism in the press.defend yourself: · Everyone was shouting at me, and I never got a chance to defend myself.vigorously defend somebody/something (=defend them very strongly): · Carey vigorously defended his fund-raising methods.
to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: · You have to be ready to stand up for the things you believe in.· Didn't anyone stand up for James and say it wasn't his fault?stand up for yourself: · Don't let her get away with that - stand up for yourself.
spoken to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: · The only person who stuck up for me was Sarah.· You're her husband - you should stick up for her.
British /defense American to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: · Dad seemed to think the accident was my fault, but Judy came to my defence and told him what had happened.· A large group of supporters have come to Robinson's defense.· Surprisingly, Major came to the defence of his old enemy.
British /defense American if you say something in someone's defence , you say it in order to defend them from criticism: · As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing you can say in her defence.· I ought to say, in Jim's defence, that he only heard about the meeting half an hour ago.in defence/defense of somebody: · No one spoke up in defense of Principal Blackman during the entire meeting.
British /defense of something American if you do or say something in defence of something, you do or say it to defend something that is very important to you, such as your rights or principles: · The miners went on strike in defence of their jobs.· She spoke bravely and defiantly in defence of human rights.
British /defense American a written or spoken statement that defends something against criticism, especially something that is very important to you: defence of: · The article was a rather unconvincing defence of her economic record.strong/robust/spirited/vigorous defence (=strong defence): · Pacheco gave a vigorous defense of the state's affirmative action laws.
WORD SETSaccess, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY the workers’ attempts to defend their interests We are defending the right to demonstrate. The world champion was defending his title. the defending championCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I’m backing the PM to the hilt on this.
the workers’ attempts to defend their interests We are defending the right to demonstrate. The world champion was defending his title. the defending champion (=the present one)· Cheah defeated the defending champion in the National Grand Prix.
· Our country has a right to protect itself from its enemies.
I’m backing the PM to the hilt on this. (=do something to protect it when it is being attacked)· To defend his honour and his business interests, he was prepared to go to court.
· a group of lawyers who represent the airline
(=try not to lose it)· He is defending a majority of 400 against his Labour opponent.
· Each of the next three speakers defended a different position.
(=take action to stop a right being taken away)· We should defend our right to demonstrate.
(=not make any changes) Will the West use its influence to maintain the status quo and not disrupt the flow of oil?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB Will the West use its influence to maintain the status quo and not disrupt the flow of oil?· Heaton Mersey Village visited Wayfarers and scored 142 all out, a total they successfully defended bowling out Wayfarers for 112.· Democrats successfully defended more than a dozen others.
· Utilitarianism has been both vigorously defended and attacked in the last few decades.· Frame said the suit is without merit and it will be defended vigorously.· The club has vigorously defended the mayor against attacks by other disabled advocates who say Brown has done little for them.· We will defend vigorously the libel proceedings commenced us by Virgin and its owner and any other proceedings they choose to commence.· In an interview on Friday, Kerry vigorously defended his fund-raising.· The resulting competition probably causes the animals to occupy small but adequate territories which are vigorously defended by a monogamous pair.· The schools vigorously defend the trips.
NOUN· Indeed, the responsibility and necessity for such action to defend children against parental mistreatment is strongly emphasised.· In accordance with instructions, the officers took no action to defend themselves, although they were armed.· The action is jointly defended by the historian Count Nikolai Tolstoy, who supplied much of the information for the pamphlet.
· The houses next to the river had no owners; they were broken down and ruined, but could be defended against attack.· That stresses, above all, that one should defend first and attack second.· The club has vigorously defended the mayor against attacks by other disabled advocates who say Brown has done little for them.· Instead, the arsenal ship would have relied on other warships to defend it against missile attacks.· Paredes saw that neither diplomacy nor duplicity were of any avail and prepared to defend the city against attack.· Paul D looked at the black trees lining the roadside, their defending arms raised against attack.· Champfleury, for a time the leading advocate of Realism, defended that school against attacks made during the 1853 Salon.
· Stuart Bingham, 23, from Basildon beat the defending champion 10-7.· The defending champions ended up second, the bronze medalists fifth.· In Istanbul Galatasaray fought back from two goals down to beat defending champions Real Madrid 3-2 in the other quarter-final.· Ronnie Black is the defending champion.· All year long, the Bruins were living with the fame and adulation of being defending national champions.· A marvelous comeback, erasing a 24-point deficit against the two-time defending world champions.· Distractions are everywhere, especially for a defending champion.· She is the current two-time defending national rhythmic gymnastics champion.
· Certainly I defended the community charge, which gave Labour councils in many areas the fright of their lives.· Minorities are in a position of having to defend themselves against that charge.· The state decided to defend the charges.· Those fans who have defended Diamond against charges of pomposity will really love this record.· Yet both defended themselves against the charge of infidelity.· She defends the charges, saying they were necessary for Oxygen to finance a schedule of new programming.· They were forced, as never before, to defend themselves against the charge of illegitimacy.· Lemos resigned on March 25, allegedly in indignation at the failure of Barco to defend him against opposition charges.
· Just consider two generals defending your country and they both botch it.· With one of the slenderest majorities to defend anywhere in the country, Mr Forsyth could be forgiven if he looked worried.· They had been driven by brute necessity to defend one country.
· Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for analysts to prepare, present, and defend budget proposals to decision makers.· Yesterday the school defended its decision to allow a convicted fraudster to lecture students.· But the council is defending its decision ... it says it has to find savings to balance its budget.· The cost of this extended power is that governors will be liable to defend their decision before an industrial tribunal.· He will, however, have to start defending them and other decisions still in the pipeline.
· At least she died defending her honour.
· But the rhetoric of those who defended government policy in the early 1680s was explicitly legalist in nature.· The most difficult thing for Brown was defending a policy in public that he opposed in private.· Home Secretary Kenneth Baker strongly defended his party's policies on crime.· News organizations were quick to defend their policies, and some competitors saw the Fox announcement as a potential grab for publicity.· Governments in the 1990s have sometimes found it difficult to gather the statistical information they need to make and defend policy.· But he made employers wonder if they might end up defending their own policies at the courthouse.· Yet it is very much less easy to defend the policy of expecting parents to buy their children's books.· And beyond that, in October, loom the television debates where Bush will be required to defend his policies and plans.
· His father was ageing, unsure, falling back on old prejudices to defend his position.· Crises are characterized by anger, miscommunications, defending of positions and unwillingness to listen.· Firms may use advertising to defend their existing position or to signal to potential entrants that incursions will be challenged.· Since Devon seldom attended the groups' meetings, Ray was left to defend his position alone.· As a seedsman, how do you intend to defend your position?· Diligently, even angrily, we express, discuss, and defend our ostensibly knowledgeable positions.· Even the actions taken by governments may be inadequate to defend the position of the weak in society.· Each of the next three speakers defended a different position.
· He would defend that title a record 12 times.· Few, however, defend Vassiliev's record.· John Gummer was not even on the Tory platform for a press conference to defend the Government's record on animal welfare.
· But it will defend equally vigorously the rights of women who choose to look after their children full-time.· However, the liberal California court defended the right of teachers to petition for redress of grievances.· Each of us is called to defend the rights of all.· They were defending the right of the pamphleteer to publish ideas that were unpopular in society or inconvenient for the state.· One threatened to call out the National Guard to defend Atlanta's water rights.
· One of my pairs is actually reluctant to spawn if there is no-one from whom to defend their territory.· Each was thus able to become a robust and self-aware entity, ready to defend its territory and its independence.· Defended flowers can therefore be exploited more efficiently and it can pay a sunbird to defend a territory.· A large mink can also travel further and defend a larger territory.· For the rest of the year they wander their home ranges or defend their territories against all-comers.· The third strategy involves intermediate-sized males behaving opportunistically: they call from potential egg-laying sites but do not defend territories.· At the end of the summer, he must seek out and defend a territory.
· Though he had defeated heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and defended his title nine times, Ali never had a dramatic constituency before.· Goltz has posted the best all-around score in the state this season and is favored to defend her all-around title.· In the Ladies' Singles, Jenny Binns is defending the title she won for the first time last year.· The Women's World Heavyweight Champion had defended her title at three consecutive events, each time soundly beating her opponents.· He hopes to be fit to defend his Masters title at the end of next month and has begun light training.· He and subsequent champions refused to defend their titles against blacks.· While Johnson was prevented from defending his title in the United States, Ali had his taken from him.· Hilary Walker will defend the women's title.
VERB· We are forced to defend a system we know to be indefensible.· But Momich has been forced to defend his right to operate his business in the courts.· Okioc has been forced to defend its prospecting by calling in experts to look at the seal deaths.· There she had been rudely thrown upon the hard ground and had been forced to defend herself.
· As they built in each new feature, they discussed how it would help to defend the castle from attackers.· Understanding the Role of Antibodies Antibodies are protein substances manufactured by the human immune system to help defend us against diseases.· Some drugs spark off this emergency response and help their targets to defend themselves.· We have brought the barbarian across the Rhine in order to help defend our frontiers.· All: Lord, help us to defend the oppressed.· We have helped support and defend this city for decades.· In contrast, female clownfish lay their eggs around sea anemones which they subsequently help to defend.
· Uncertain how the children might react, I thought it would perhaps come in handy if I needed to defend myself.· She needed to defend herself against this critic.· Governments in the 1990s have sometimes found it difficult to gather the statistical information they need to make and defend policy.· Those rights which have been established, need to be defended, and therefore access to effective legal resource is indispensable.· She no longer felt that she needed to defend herself, or even to account for herself, there.· But this assumption is what an opponent of a holist theory of history needs to defend.· She feels she needs this information to defend herself.
· As I have said before, if people advocate spending and tax increases, they should be prepared to defend them.· Paredes saw that neither diplomacy nor duplicity were of any avail and prepared to defend the city against attack.· Lawyers are usually required to prepare cases and defend them.· Nobody is prepared to defend it very much.· If they take any other course of action they must be prepared to defend it.· But if I and mine prepare to defend the kingdom, you and yours must do the same.· Unlike the Weimar Republic, the Bonn Republic is prepared to defend itself.
· Throughout his life he sought to defend an idea of Britishness that was becoming increasingly outmoded.· There is no advantage to be gained by Opposition Members seeking to defend the indefensible.· Yet far from seeking to defend free speech, the Government is proposing to subject the media to even fewer controls.· In the absence of these things, I seek to defend the present service as the best achievable.· In this chapter, I have sought to defend this concessive holist view by drawing attention to the explanatory interest underlying it.· At the end of the summer, he must seek out and defend a territory.
· If you just try to defend and hold out against them, it wears you down.· Up there, it was like trying to defend cholera to a bunch of doctors.· Why had she even wasted time trying to defend herself?· No one could defend them; no one would ever try to defend the fate Pentheus suffered.· Close to the tree was a shattered tumbler, which police believe Elizabeth used to try to defend herself.· Should we flee or stay and try to defend ourselves?· Michael told the Old Bailey he had tried to defend his brother Lee, 13, before his father turned on him.· Zanger said he never tried to defend himself against Baldwin and only tried to protect his camera with the videotape inside.
WORD FAMILYnoundefence/defensedefendantdefenderdefensivenessadjectivedefenceless/defenselessdefensible ≠ indefensibledefensiveadverbdefensibly ≠ indefensiblydefensivelyverbdefend
1[intransitive, transitive] to do something in order to protect someone or something from being attacked: a struggle to defend our homelanddefend something against/from something the need to defend democracy against fascismdefend yourself (against/from somebody/something) advice on how women can defend themselves from sex attackersdefend against We need to defend against military aggression.2[transitive] to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right OPP attack: She was always defending her husband in front of their daughter. Students should be ready to explain and defend their views.defend somebody against/from somebody/something He defended his wife against rumours and allegations.defend yourself (against/from something) Cooper wrote to the journal immediately, defending himself.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say stand up for someone rather than defend someone:· She was the only person who stood up for me at the meeting.3[transitive] to do something in order to stop something from being taken away or in order to make it possible for something to continue: the workers’ attempts to defend their interests We are defending the right to demonstrate.4[intransitive, transitive] to protect your own team’s end of the field in a game such as football, in order to prevent your opponents from getting points OPP attack: Bournemouth defended well throughout the game.5[transitive] to take part in a competition that you won the last time it was held, and try to win it again: The world champion was defending his title. the defending champion He is defending a Labour majority of 5,000.6[intransitive, transitive] to be a lawyer for someone who has been charged with a crime OPP prosecute: He had top lawyers to defend him. Howard, defending, said Thompson had been drinking heavily.THESAURUSdefend to say something to support an idea or person when other people are criticizing them: · The mayor defended the action, saying that it was the best option.stand up for somebody/something to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas or your rights: · My grandfather would always stand up for what was right.· I don't want him fighting, but I do want him to stand up for himself.stick up for somebody informal to strongly defend someone who is being criticized, especially when no one else will defend them: · The other kids tease her, but Sarah often sticks up for her.come to somebody's defence British English (also come to somebody's defense American English) to say something to defend someone who is being criticized: · Aitken's colleagues quickly came to his defence.