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1. Argue or speak in defence of
   - support, fend for
    
2. Be on the defensive; act against an attack
    
3. Protect against a challenge or attack
   - guard, hold
    
4. Fight against or resist strongly
   - fight, oppose, fight back, fight down
    
5. Protect or fight for as a champion
   - champion
    
6. Be the defence counsel for someone in a trial
   - represent
    
7. State or assert
   - maintain

Derived forms: defending, defended, defends

See also: defence [Brit, Cdn], defendant, defender, defensible, defensive

Type of: affirm, argue, back, contend, endorse, fight, indorse, keep, plump for, plunk for, prevent, protect, reason, struggle, support

Antonym: attack, prosecute

Encyclopedia: Defend