defend
Definitions
To protect someone or something from attack or harm.
保护，防卫（免受攻击或伤害）
To argue or speak in support of; to act as a lawyer for the accused.
辩护，为……辩解；（为被告）出庭辩护
To try to stop an opponent from scoring (in sport); to hold a title against challengers.
防守（体育）；卫冕（头衔）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (away) + fend (strike) = 'strike the attacker away.' That single image powers every sense: a soldier strikes the enemy back, a lawyer strikes the accusation back, a defender strikes the attack back from the goal. Whatever is coming at you, defend pushes it the other way.
Root fens still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.defend against抵御……
- 2.defend yourself自卫
- 3.defend a title卫冕
- 4.defend a position捍卫立场
- 5.defend rights维护权利
Example Sentences
- 1.
Soldiers were sent to defend the city against the invaders.
- 2.
She hired a top lawyer to defend her in court.
- 3.
It's hard to defend a decision you don't really agree with.
- 4.
The champion will defend his title next month.
Easily Confused
defend vs protect — Both keep something safe, but defend implies an active enemy or attack to push back (defend the city, defend a claim), while protect is broader and can be passive prevention (sunscreen protects your skin; a case protects your phone). You defend against an attacker; you protect against harm.