Dictionary monolingual
English
Defend
dəˈfɛnd
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Defend -
to protect from harm or danger; to guard or shield from attack or injury
Example: The soldiers defended the city from the enemy invasion.
Usage: formalContext: military, legal, or formal discussions
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'defend' and is often used in serious or official contexts.
to argue or support a particular idea, action, or person in order to prove that they are right or justified
Example: The lawyer defended her client in court.
Usage: formalContext: legal proceedings, debates, or discussions
Note: In this context, 'defend' is often used to refer to presenting arguments or evidence to support a position.
to respond to criticism or attack in order to protect one's reputation or actions
Example: She defended her decision to resign from the company.
Usage: formal/informalContext: personal conversations, public statements
Note: This meaning can be used in both formal and informal settings to explain or justify one's actions.
Defend's synonyms
protect
To protect means to keep someone or something safe from harm, damage, or injury.
Example: The police officer was there to protect the citizens from harm.
Note: Defend implies actively preventing an attack or challenge, while protect focuses on keeping safe from harm in general.
shield
To shield means to protect or defend by covering or guarding.
Example: The knight used his shield to block the enemy's sword.
Note: Shield often involves physically covering or blocking to provide defense.
guard
To guard means to watch over and protect someone or something from danger.
Example: The security guard was hired to guard the valuable artwork in the museum.
Note: Guard emphasizes the act of watching over and protecting against potential threats.
safeguard
To safeguard means to protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure.
Example: It is important to safeguard your personal information to prevent identity theft.
Note: Safeguard emphasizes the idea of taking specific measures to ensure protection.
Defend expressions, common phrases
Stand up for
To support or defend someone or something in the face of criticism or attack.
Example: He always stands up for his friends when they are being criticized.
Note: This phrase emphasizes actively supporting or defending someone or something rather than merely acting in a defensive manner.
Come to someone's defense
To support or protect someone who is being attacked or criticized.
Example: She came to her colleague's defense when he was falsely accused of stealing.
Note: This phrase specifically implies taking action to protect or support someone under attack.
Fight off
To resist or defend against an attack or threat.
Example: The immune system helps the body fight off infections.
Note: This phrase often conveys a sense of actively resisting or repelling an attack or danger.
Shield from
To protect or defend someone or something from harm or danger.
Example: The hat shielded her from the sun.
Note: This phrase focuses on providing protection or defense against specific sources of harm or danger.
Take up arms
To prepare to fight or defend oneself using weapons.
Example: The villagers were forced to take up arms to defend their homes.
Note: This phrase implies a more aggressive stance in defending oneself, often involving the use of weapons or force.
Rise to the defense
To vigorously defend or support something when it is being criticized or attacked.
Example: She rose to the defense of her beliefs when they were challenged.
Note: This phrase suggests a strong, proactive response to defending something under attack.
Come to the rescue
To help or save someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.
Example: The firefighter came to the rescue of the family trapped in the burning building.
Note: This phrase implies providing aid or assistance in a critical or urgent situation.
Defend everyday (slang) expressions
Back up
To support or assist someone in a situation where they need help or defense.
Example: I'll back you up in the meeting if things get tough.
Note: Back up typically implies providing support or assistance in a situation, rather than actively defending.
Cover for
To take someone's place or responsibilities in order to protect or defend them.
Example: Can you cover for me at work tomorrow? I have a doctor's appointment.
Note: Cover for involves substituting for someone to protect them from potential harm or consequences, rather than direct defense.
Watch someone's back
To protect or support someone by being vigilant and attentive to potential threats or problems they may face.
Example: I'll watch your back during the negotiation to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Note: Watching someone's back involves keeping a lookout for dangers or issues that may affect them, more proactive than defending.
Have someone's back
To be there for someone and support them in difficult situations or conflicts.
Example: Don't worry, I've got your back no matter what happens.
Note: Having someone's back indicates unwavering support and loyalty, more encompassing than just defending.
Stand by
To support or remain loyal to someone, especially during challenging times or controversial situations.
Example: I'll stand by you in your decision to speak out against unfair treatment.
Note: Standing by someone involves showing support and solidarity, which can include defending but is not limited to defense.
Have someone's corner
To be in someone's corner means to support and defend them, especially in times of need or adversity.
Example: I'll always have your corner, no matter what happens.
Note: Having someone's corner implies being a dedicated and reliable defender and advocate for the person, often in various aspects of their life.
Take the rap for
To accept blame or punishment for someone else's actions as a way of defending or protecting them.
Example: I'll take the rap for breaking the window so you don't get in trouble.
Note: Taking the rap for someone involves sacrificing oneself by accepting consequences on their behalf, a form of defensive action.
Defend - Examples
Defend your rights!
The lawyer will defend his client in court.
I will always defend my friend, no matter what.
Defend grammar
Defend - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: defend
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): defended
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): defending
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): defends
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): defend
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): defend
Syllables, Separation and Stress
defend Contains 2 syllables: de • fend
Phonetic transcription: di-ˈfend
de fend , di ˈfend (The red syllable is stressed)
Defend - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
defend: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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