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REFERENCE

defended

v. · adj.
US //dɪˈfɛndəd// UK //dɪfˈɛndɪd// de·fend·ed
  1. 1 protected from attack (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    protected someone or something from a physical attack or danger.

    protected a person, place, or object from physical harm or aggression.

    Example

    The soldiers defended the city walls for three days during the storm.

    Example

    The garrison successfully defended the mountain pass against a much larger force, preventing the invasion from reaching the capital city.
  2. 2 supported an idea (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    spoke or wrote in support of an idea or person when others criticised them.

    acted as an advocate for a person, idea, or policy in the face of criticism or opposition.

    Example

    She defended her decision to quit her job, even though her parents disagreed.

    Example

    The scientist defended her controversial findings during the press conference, providing extensive data to counter the skepticism of her peers.
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  1. 3 legal response (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    represented someone in court or acted as a lawyer for the person accused of a crime.

    acted as a legal representative for a defendant in a court of law.

    Example

    The famous lawyer defended the man accused of stealing the paintings.

    Example

    The public defender defended the suspect with great skill, eventually proving that the evidence against him was circumstantial.
  2. 4 having protection (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes a place that has walls, guards, or other ways to keep it safe.

    provided with defensive measures or fortifications.

    Example

    The castle was well defended with high stone walls and a deep moat.

    Example

    The coastal town remained heavily defended long after the war ended, as the government feared a second wave of naval incursions.
Origin

From defend + -ed.

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