- to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against): The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.
- to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold: She defended her claim successfully.
- to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).
- to serve as attorney for (a defendant): He has defended some of the most notorious criminals.
- to 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.
- to attempt to retain (a championship title, position, etc.), as in a competition against a challenger: A fortuitous trade has landed him on the team defending the World Series championship.
- to enter or make a defense.
- to prevent the opposing team from scoring: She’s a freshman who already scores and defends like a professional.
- to protect (a person, place, etc) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on
- to support in the face of criticism, esp by argument or evidence
- to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action
- to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc) against attack
- to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge
