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defend

de·fend

defend

 
 
pronunciation:
dih fend
features:
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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
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
derivation: defender (n.)
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  country, dinosaur, insect, war