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- pronunciation:
- dih
fend
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
defends, defending, defended |
| definition 1: |
to protect from harm; guard.
He defended his brother from the angry dog.- synonyms:
- guard, protect
- antonyms:
- attack
- similar words:
- bolster, fight for, fortify, safeguard, secure, shelter, shield
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| definition 2: |
to speak, write, or act in support of.
He defended his beliefs in an article in the newspaper.- synonyms:
- justify, uphold
- similar words:
- maintain, support, sustain
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| related words: |
advocate, champion, explain, insist, mind, preserve, stand |
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| derivation: |
defender (n.) |
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