[{"Bold_text": "verb (used with object)", "List Items": ["to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed byfromoragainst):The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.Synonyms: fortify , garrison , shield , screen , shelter Antonyms: attack", "to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold:She defended her claim successfully.Synonyms: vindicate", "to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).", "Law.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.", "Sports.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."]}, {"Bold_text": "verb (used without object)", "List Items": ["Law.to enter or make a defense .", "Sports.to prevent the opposing team from scoring:She’s a freshman who already scores and defends like a professional."]}]