defends; defended; defending
1
: to fight in order to keep (someone or something) safe : to not allow a person or thing to hurt, damage, or destroy (someone or something)
We are prepared to defend [=protect, guard] our country.
—often + from or againstThey have every right to defend themselves from those who would hurt them.
The army defended the territory against invaders.
Her body was no longer able to defend itself against disease.
—usually + againstThese new weapons will make us better able to defend against attack.
The body's immune system defends against illness.
2
: to fight or work hard in order to keep (something, such as a right, interest, cause, etc.) from being taken away
The group defends [=protects] the rights of the poor.
The company must defend its own interests.
3
: to speak or write in support of (someone or something that is being challenged or criticized)
As a U.S. senator, it is my responsibility to defend [=uphold] the Constitution.
We believed it was a cause worth defending.
She defended her friend's behavior.
Stop defending him. What he did was wrong.
4
sports
: to try to stop opponents from scoring
Your job is to defend the goal.
Focus on defending the basket.
He defended well throughout the game.
—often + againstShe tried to defend against the jump shot.
5
: to compete in order to try to keep (a title, championship, etc.)
The team is looking to defend its national title. [=to win the national title again]
She successfully defended her championship. [=she won the championship again]
6
: to work as a lawyer for (someone who is being sued or accused of a crime)
They hired a famous lawyer to defend their son.
She defended herself during her trial.
Cite this Entry
“Defend.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/defend. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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