Entry Word: defend

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to drive danger or attack away from <a solemn oath to defend the country at any cost>

Synonyms cover, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward

Related Words avert, prevent; fend (off), oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, keep, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Phrases look out for, stand up for

Near Antonyms bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

Antonyms assail, assault, attack

2 to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections <she will defend any claim regardless of all evidence to the contrary> — see maintain 2