WordWeb Online

1. Attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring
   "Defending Illusions examines the science, philosophy, and law of ecosystem management"

1. Argue or speak in defence of
   "She defended the motion to strike"
   - support, fend for
    
2. Be on the defensive; act against an attack
    
3. Protect against a challenge or attack
   "defend that position behind the trees!"
   - guard, hold
    
4. Fight against or resist strongly
   "Don't defend it!"
   - 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
   "Ms. Smith will defend the defendant"
   - represent
    
7. State or assert
   "He defended his innocence"
   - maintain

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