Synonyms and Antonyms of defend (dĭ-fĕnd)

guard protect resist preserve withstand second say in defense shelter cover retain hold resist invasion fight for repel danger from ward off contend for keep off stave off hold at bay fend-off hedge mine stand on the defensive aerial attack machine gun attack etc.; fortify garrison convoy escort fence round give an air umbrella safeguard maintain uphold champion insure patronize watch apologize for rally to support house keep provide sanctuary take-in sustain bolster nourish foster care for compass about cherish guard against look after plead justify bear one out exonerate back up vindicate advocate aid espouse the cause of befriend be a partisan of guarantee endorse warrant prove a case exculpate recommend rationalize plead one's cause say a good word for argue for speak for stand up for plead for put in a good word for take up go to bat for cover up for stick-up-for secure ward fend apologize assert back conserve contest countenance espouse fortify harbor repel save screen shield wear fend for fight oppose fight-back fight down represent beat off avert keep at bay take evasive action entrench provide air cover for; sustain a mortar attack

prosecute desert yield surrender give up abandon leave forsake convict accuse charge relinquish quit resign renounce

raise reassert stand-up-against shore-up in-defense win-back attack deny

defend ₁₁ fended ₁₁

ended ₇

feed ₈ fend ₈ deed ₆ dene ₅ need ₅

def ₇ fed ₇ fee ₆ fen ₆ dee ₄ den ₄ end ₄ nee ₃

ef ₅ fe ₅ de ₃ ed ₃ en ₂ ne ₂