defend
UK: dɪˈfend | US: dɪˈfend
vt. to protect from harm or danger
vt. to support or justify by argument
vt. (sports) to guard against opponents
The word "defend" traces back to Latin defendere, combining de- (away) and fendere (to strike). Originally, it conveyed the idea of "warding off a blow." Over time, it broadened to include protection in physical, legal, and metaphorical contexts. The root fend survives in related words like "fend" (to resist) and "offend" (to strike against).
The lawyer worked hard to defend her client in court.
Soldiers defend their country from external threats.
He raised his arms to defend himself against the attack.
She wrote an article to defend her controversial theory.
The team needs to defend their lead in the second half.