defend
argue or speak in defense of
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,891 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 5,710 times across 175,177 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
verb
- argue or speak in defense of also: support, fend for She supported the motion to strike
- be on the defensive; act against an attack
- protect against a challenge or attack also: guard, hold Hold that position behind the trees!Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
- fight against or resist strongly also: fight, oppose, fight back, fight down The senator said he would oppose the billDon't fight it!
- protect or fight for as a champion also: champion
- be the defense counsel for someone in a trial also: represent Ms. Smith will represent the defendant
defend in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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You must bear with me if I defend them.
Representative Plays by American Dramatists — Love in '76 · Oliver Bell Bunce · Chapter 1
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If she were not dumb and could defend herself, her innocence would be proved.’
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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The officers appointed to defend the rights of the Plebeians against the encroachments of the Patricians.
Narrative and Lyric Poems (first series) · O. J. [Annotator] Stevenson · Chapter 1
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We do not know whether it is necessary to defend our choice of a somewhat antiquated prose.
The Odyssey of Homer · 751? BCE-651? BCE Homer · Chapter 1
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Not a detail but betrayed the industrious hand of the housekeeper, struggling to defend her furniture against the ravages of time.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1