<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury (usually followed by from or against): The sentry defended the gate against sudden attack.</li><li>Synonyms: fortify, garrison, shield, screen, shelter</li><li>Antonyms: attack</li><li>to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold: She defended her claim successfully.</li><li>Synonyms: vindicate</li><li>to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).</li><li>Law: to serve as attorney for (a defendant): He has defended some of the most notorious criminals.</li><li>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.</li><li>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.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) Law: to enter or make a defense.</li><li>Sports: to prevent the opposing team from scoring: She’s a freshman who already scores and defends like a professional.</li></ul>