v.tr. (also absol.)
1. (often foll. by against, from) resist an attack made on; protect (a person or thing) from harm or danger.
2 support or uphold by argument; speak or write in favour of.
3 conduct the case for (a defendant in a lawsuit).
Derivatives:
defendable adj. defender n.
Etymology: ME f. OF defendre f. L defendere: cf. OFFEND