verb
1.
to keep safe (as from danger or against attack)
defend the country from aggression
Synonyms: bulwark, cover, fend, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield
Related Word: avert, prevent, ward; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save
Idioms: stand on the defensive, stave off from
Contrasted words: aggress, assail, assault, fall (on or upon); bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield
Antonyms: attack
2.
Synonyms: maintain 2, argue, assert, claim, contend, justify, vindicate, warrant
Related Word: air, express, utter, vent, voice; account, explain, justify, rationalize; back, champion, support, uphold
Idioms: speak ( or stand or stick) up for
Contrasted words: contradict, deny, gainsay, traverse; confute, controvert, disprove, rebut, refute