Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against): The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.
2.
to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold: She defended her claim successfully.
3.
to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).
4.
Law. to serve as attorney for (a defendant): He has defended some of the most notorious criminals.
5.
EXPANDto support (an argument, theory, etc.) in the face of criticism; prove the validity of (a dissertation, thesis, or the like) by answering arguments and questions put by a committee of specialists.
6.
COLLAPSEto attempt to retain (a championship title, position, etc.), as in a competition against a challenger.
verb (used without object)
7.
Law. to enter or make a defense.
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Defending
is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
Origin:
1200–50; Middle English defenden < Old French defendre < Latin dēfendere to ward off, equivalent to dē- de- + -fendere to strike
1200–50; Middle English defenden < Old French defendre < Latin dēfendere to ward off, equivalent to dē- de- + -fendere to strike
Related forms
de·fend·a·ble, adjective
de·fend·er, noun
pre·de·fend, verb (used with object)
un·de·fend·a·ble, adjective
un·de·fend·a·ble·ness, noun
EXPANDun·de·fend·a·b·ly, adverb
un·de·fend·ed, adjective
un·de·fend·ing, adjective
well-de·fend·ed, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. shelter, screen, shield; garrison, fortify. Defend, guard, preserve, protect all mean to keep safe. To defend is to strive to keep safe by resisting attack: to defend one's country. To guard is to watch over in order to keep safe: to guard a camp. To preserve is to keep safe in the midst of danger, either in a single instance or continuously: to preserve a spirit of conciliation. To protect is to keep safe by interposing a shield or barrier: to protect books by means of heavy paper covers. 2. vindicate.
1. shelter, screen, shield; garrison, fortify. Defend, guard, preserve, protect all mean to keep safe. To defend is to strive to keep safe by resisting attack: to defend one's country. To guard is to watch over in order to keep safe: to guard a camp. To preserve is to keep safe in the midst of danger, either in a single instance or continuously: to preserve a spirit of conciliation. To protect is to keep safe by interposing a shield or barrier: to protect books by means of heavy paper covers. 2. vindicate.
Antonyms
1. attack.
1. attack.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To defending
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
defend
mid-13c., from O.Fr. defendre, from L. defendere "ward off, protect," from de- "from, away" + fendere "to strike, push." In the Mercian hymns, L. defendet is glossed by O.E. gescildeð.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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