World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDefend
/dɪˈfɛnd/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To protect from harm or danger.
"The lawyer will defend her client in court." - 2
To speak or write in favor of; to support or justify.
"He had to defend his thesis against criticism."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Middle English defenden, from Old French defendre, and ultimately from Latin defendere (de- 'away, off' + fendere 'to strike'). Originally meaning to ward off, strike down, or protect from harm, its semantic range expanded through legal, military, and sports contexts to encompass justification, argument, and safeguarding.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Defend"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Defend" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Défendre
Transliteration: defɑ̃dʁ
"L'avocat va défendre son client au tribunal."
Verteidigen
Transliteration: fɛɐ̯ˈtaɪdɪɡn̩
"Der Anwalt wird seinen Mandanten verteidigen."
Difendere
Transliteration: diˈfɛndere
"L'avvocato difenderà il suo cliente in tribunale."
Defender
Transliteration: defenˈdeɾ
"El abogado defenderá a su cliente en la corte."
Defender
Transliteration: defẽˈdeɾ
"O advogado defenderá seu cliente no tribunal."
रक्षा करना
Transliteration: rakṣā karnā
"वकील अपने मुवक्किल की रक्षा करेगा।"
辩护
Transliteration: biànhù
"律师将在法庭上辩护他的客户。"
방어하다
Transliteration: bang-eohada
"변호사는 법원에서 그의 의뢰인을 방어할 것입니다."
弁護する
Transliteration: bengosuru
"弁護士は法廷で彼のクライアントを弁護します。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Defend"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.