defend

To keep someone or something safe from attack.

• The soldiers defended the town.
• She used a stick to defend herself.
• Who will defend the village against attack?

How to use it: defend someone/something against someone/something (They defended their homes against the invaders.); defend someone/something from someone/something (The guards defended the king from attack.)

Similar words: protect, guard

Opposites: attack

Common phrases: defend yourself, defend a city, defend someone from something

To stop the other team from scoring in a game.

• Our team defended well.
• We defended our lead until the final whistle.
• Can they defend against such fast players?

How to use it: defend against someone/something (We need to defend against their quick attacks.)

Opposites: attack

Common phrases: defend a lead, defend well, defend against someone

In cricket, to block the ball carefully rather than hit it hard to score.

• He chose to defend the ball.
• The batsman defended patiently through several overs.
• She defended the next delivery with a straight bat.

Similar words: block

Common phrases: defend the ball, defend a delivery, defend patiently