English Reference
verb · adjective

defended

v. · adj.
US /dɪˈfɛndəd/ UK /dɪfˈɛndɪd/ de·fend·ed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.protected someone or something from a physical attack or danger.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The garrison successfully defended the mountain pass against a much larger force, preventing the invasion from reaching the capital city.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The scientist defended her controversial findings during the press conference, providing extensive data to counter the skepticism of her peers.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The public defender defended the suspect with great skill, eventually proving that the evidence against him was circumstantial.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

    adj.provided with defensive measures or fortifications.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    undefendedvulnerable

From defend + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated