defend
Stand up for
To defend is to protect from attack or harm.
A lawyer defends a client by arguing their case; a team defends its title by trying to keep it.
You can defend a position, an idea, or a person's reputation against criticism: She defended her decision to quit.
Defense is passive protection; to defend often implies active response to a threat.
Top competitor, or advocate
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- upholdMaintain or confirm officially
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- endorseGive official approval
back · standby · espouse · promote · assert · argue · plead · represent
Watchful defensive attention
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- secureProtected from harm
- protectKeep from harm
ward · shelter · preserve · cover · watch · sentry · sentinel · guardian
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- explanationStatement making something clear
- rationaleStated basis for action
- reasonBasis or justification
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
vindicate · validate · legitimize · substantiate · warrant · account · mitigate · extenuate
Drive off or disgust
- fend offDeflect an advance
- ward offActively prevent approach
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- resistOppose or refuse compliance
counter · block · deflect · parry · rebuff · thwart · deter · hold off
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
endorse · back · standby · espouse · promote · assert · argue · plead · represent · counsel
guard
Watchful defensive attention
protect · ward · shelter · preserve · cover · watch · sentry · sentinel · guardian · bodyguard
excuse
Offered reason for wrongdoing
- explanationStatement making something clear
- rationaleStated basis for action
- reasonBasis or justification
argument · vindicate · validate · legitimize · substantiate · warrant · account · mitigate · extenuate · clarify
repel
Drive off or disgust
resist · counter · block · deflect · parry · rebuff · thwart · deter · hold off · stave off
attorney
Licensed legal representative
- counselExpert guidance offered
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
evidence · verdict · appeal · courtroom · cross-examination · objection · allegation · acquittal · exonerate · plea
goalkeeper
Net-defending player
block · interception · marking · zone · sweeper · stopper · clearance · save · shutout · backline
- verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- competition verbscompete, rival, contend, challenge, oppose
- preventionflu shot, prevent, flu shots, protect, vaccines
- resistresist, oppose, defy, rebuff, refuse
- defense contractorsMilitary weapons manufacturers
- defense policyStrategy for national protection
- defend yourselfGuard against threats personally
- thesis defenseOral examination of dissertation
- defense attorneyLawyer representing the accused
- defense lawyerAttorney for the accused
defense, defender, defended, defending, defensive, defenseless, defends, defence, defendant