defending
Shielding from attack
Defending is protecting something from attack or threat.
A lawyer defends a client against charges; a team defends its title; a nation defends its borders.
The word implies an existing position under challenge: She spent the interview defending her decision to resign.
In sports, the defending champion is the current holder facing challengers.
Precaution against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- bulwarkDefensive fortification or safeguard
armor · rampart · bastion · citadel · stronghold · bunker · sanctuary · refuge
One who safeguards others
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- advocatePublic cause supporter
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- custodianGuardian of a place
guardian · keeper · steward · warden · caretaker · watchman · escort · patron
Licensed legal representative
- counselExpert guidance offered
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
- objectionExpression of disapproval
evidence · acquittal · verdict · prosecution · plaintiff · appeal · litigation · jury
Net-defending player
- tackleGear or takedown
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- markingIndicating with symbols
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
clearance · fullback · sweeper · stopper · center-back · pressing · backcheck · goaltender
Stated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- argumentationSystematic reasoning process
- justificationReason proving rightness
validation · substantiation · legitimization · excuse · apology · mitigation · extenuation · clarification
safeguard
Precaution against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
bulwark · armor · rampart · bastion · citadel · stronghold · bunker · sanctuary · refuge · haven
protector
One who safeguards others
custodian · guardian · keeper · steward · warden · caretaker · watchman · escort · patron · preserver
attorney
Licensed legal representative
- counselExpert guidance offered
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
objection · evidence · acquittal · verdict · prosecution · plaintiff · appeal · litigation · jury · barrister
goalkeeper
Net-defending player
interception · clearance · fullback · sweeper · stopper · center-back · pressing · backcheck · goaltender · man-marking
rationale
Stated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- argumentationSystematic reasoning process
justification · validation · substantiation · legitimization · excuse · apology · mitigation · extenuation · clarification · rationalization
- gerundswalking, running, talking, eating, sleeping
- excusesexcuse, not my fault, overslept, alibi, excuses
- watching overguarding, protecting, monitoring, supervising, minding
- standing upstanding up, standing ground, speaking out, speaking truth, fighting back
- fortifyingfortifying, reinforcing, barricading, shoring up, buttressing
- territorialityscent marking, marking, guarding, border disputes, turf
defendingattacking
Actively engaging offensively
offensive · invading · assaulting · assailing · advancing
defendingprosecuting
Pursuing criminal charges
accusing · indicting · charging · arraigning · pressing charges
defendingattacking
Actively engaging offensively
condemning · criticizing · denouncing · abandoning · betraying
- defending championReturning victor seeking retention
- defending the weakGuarding those without power
- defending othersProtecting people from harm
defend, defense, defender, defended, defensive, defenseless, defends, defence, defendant