defend

1. Argue or speak in defense of (synset 200896689)
   "She supported the motion to strike"
   is a type of: argue, reason - present reasons and arguments
   subtypes:

   • apologise, apologize, excuse, rationalise, rationalize - defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   • take sides with, take someone's side - support someone (as in an argument)
   • stand up, stick up - defend against attack or criticism
   • uphold - stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
   same as: fend for, support
2. Be on the defensive;
   Act against an attack (synset 201130221)
   entail: contend, fight, struggle - be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
   is a type of: keep, prevent - stop (someone or something) from doing something or being in a certain state
   subtypes:

   • bulwark - defend with a bulwark
   • protect - shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
   • ward off - avert, turn away, or repel
   • arrest, check, contain, hold back, stop, turn back - hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of
3. Protect against a challenge or attack (synset 201132302)
   "Hold that position behind the trees!"; "Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks"
   is a type of: protect - shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
   same as: guard, hold
   verb group: hold - take and maintain control over, often by violent means
4. Fight against or resist strongly (synset 201093838)
   "The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!"
   is a type of: contend, fight, struggle - be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
   subtypes:

   • recalcitrate - show strong objection or repugnance; manifest vigorous opposition or resistance; be obstinately disobedient
   • fend, resist, stand - withstand the force of something
   • hold out, resist, stand firm, withstand - stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
   • drive back, fight off, rebuff, repel, repulse - force or drive back
   same as: fight, fight back, fight down, oppose
5. Protect or fight for as a champion (synset 201151604)
   is a type of: back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for, support - be behind; approve of
   same as: champion
6. Be the defense counsel for someone in a trial (synset 202587760)
   "Ms. Smith will represent the defendant"
   same as: represent
7. State or assert (synset 201019652)
   "He maintained his innocence"
   is a type of: affirm - say yes to
   subtypes: vindicate - maintain, uphold, or defend
   same as: maintain

Other Searches

• Rhyme: Dillfrog, RhymeZone
• Definition: Wiktionary, Dictionary.com, Wikipedia, Merriam-Webster, WordNet, Power Thesaurus
• Imagery: Google, Flickr, Bing