defended
Shielded from attack
Defended is the past tense of defend—to protect from attack or harm.
A lawyer defended a client in court.
A champion defended her title.
Someone defended a friend's reputation against critics.
The word implies active resistance against threat or challenge: He defended his decision to quit.
In sports, a team defends its goal or a previously won championship.
Cleared of accusation
- rationalizedInvented justification for
- legitimizedMade lawful or valid
- validatedConfirmed as true or acceptable
- warrantedProperly justified or sanctioned
exonerated · excused · explained · supported · argued · maintained · upheld · substantiated
Heavily defended military structure
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- castleFortified medieval residence
- bastionFortified defensive position
ramparts · battlements · bulwarks · keep · bunker · garrison · moat · turret
Stood in for another
- counselExpert guidance offered
- attorneyLicensed legal representative
- acquittedDeclared legally innocent
- litigatedContested through courts
appealed · contested · rebutted · cross-examined · pleaded · testimony · verdict · trial
vindicated
Cleared of accusation
- rationalizedInvented justification for
- legitimizedMade lawful or valid
- validatedConfirmed as true or acceptable
warranted · exonerated · excused · explained · supported · argued · maintained · upheld · substantiated · reasoned
fortress
Heavily defended military structure
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- strongholdFortified place of defense
- castleFortified medieval residence
bastion · ramparts · battlements · bulwarks · keep · bunker · garrison · moat · turret · parapet
represented
Stood in for another
- counselExpert guidance offered
- attorneyLicensed legal representative
- acquittedDeclared legally innocent
litigated · appealed · contested · rebutted · cross-examined · pleaded · testimony · verdict · trial · accused
sentries
Soldiers assigned to guard
checkpoint · surveillance · lookout · vigilance · garrison · barricade · outpost · cordon · picket · escort
armor
Protective combat covering
safeguard · aegis · buckler · deflector · buffer · insulated · canopy · shelter · ward · protection
defendedattacked
Acted aggressively against
assaulted · undefended · exposed · abandoned · unprotected
defendedcondemned
Officially declared unfit
attacked · criticized · denounced · renounced · repudiated
- defend yourselfGuard against threats personally
- public defenderAttorney representing those unable to afford one
- defending championReturning victor seeking retention
- defending the weakGuarding those without power
- defendant's rightsLegal protections for accused persons
- Windows DefenderBuilt-in antivirus program
defend, defender, defending, defends, defendant, undefended, defendable