v. 25B6; verb
a fort built to defend Ireland : PROTECT, guard, safeguard, secure, shield; fortify, garrison, barricade; uphold, support, watch over.
he defended his policy : JUSTIFY, vindicate, argue for, support, make a case for, plead for; excuse, explain.
the manager defended his players : SUPPORT, back, stand by, stick up for, stand up for, argue for, champion, endorse; informal throw one's weight behind.
attack, criticize.