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What is another word for Defend? – 210 Defend Synonyms

    Need another word for Defend? Use these synonyms of Defend from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    protect guard shield safeguard preserve conserve uphold maintain support justify vindicate excuse rationalize explain apologize resist withstand repel fight battle contend struggle oppose combat challenge dispute argue debate counter retaliate avenge shield screen cover watch mind care attend look after save secure ensure insure guarantee warrant defend shelter harbor asylum refuge sanctuary safety security protection preservation conservation justification vindication excuse explanation apology

    Meaning of Defend

    The primary meaning of the word "defend" is to protect or guard something from harm or attack.

    Definitions

    • To protect or guard something from harm or attack
    • * To argue or speak in favor of something, especially in order to justify or explain it
    • * To resist or withstand an attack, criticism, or opposition

    Etymology of Defend

    The word "defend" comes from the Old French word "defendre", which is derived from the Latin word "defendere", meaning "to ward off" or "to protect"
    The Latin word "defendere" is a combination of "de" (meaning "away" or "from") and "fendere" (meaning "to strike" or "to hit")
    The word "defend" has been used in the English language since the 13th century to mean "to protect or guard something from harm or attack"

    Example Uses

    • The team will defend their title in the championship game
    • * She defended her thesis in front of the panel
    • * The country's military will defend its borders from invasion
    • * He defended his actions, saying they were necessary in the circumstances

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    attack assault invade violate harm hurt injure damage destroy demolish ravage plunder pillage desecrate disrespect disregard neglect abandon surrender yield capitulate concede relinquish forfeit renounce repudiate deny disown disavow refute reject oppose contradict counter challenge dispute argue debate contend struggle fight battle combat resist withstand repel

    Related Nouns

    protection defense guard shield safeguard preservation conservation justification vindication excuse explanation apology security safety asylum refuge sanctuary shelter harbor fortress stronghold citadel bastion bulwark rampart barrier obstacle hurdle challenge test trial ordeal tribulation affliction suffering hardship adversity

    Related Verbs

    protect guard shield safeguard preserve conserve uphold maintain support justify vindicate excuse explain apologize resist withstand repel fight battle contend struggle oppose combat challenge dispute argue debate counter retaliate avenge save secure ensure insure guarantee warrant

    Related Adjectives

    defensive protective guardian shielding safeguarding preservative conservative justificatory vindicatory excusable explanatory apologetic secure safe asylum-like refugial sanctuarial sheltered harbored fortified strong impregnable invulnerable unassailable unbeatable unconquerable insurmountable impassable impenetrable