v. Function: verb
1 to keep safe (as from danger or against attack) FF1C; defend the country from aggression FF1E;
Synonyms: bulwark, cover, fend, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield
Related Words: 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 Words: 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