defends
v. A2 Elementary US //dɪˈfɛndz// UK //dɪfˈɛndz// de·fends
v. to protect someone or something from attack or criticism. You use this when you support an idea or person against an opponent.
v. to protect from harm, attack, or criticism; to support a position against opposition. Transitive; takes a direct object.
The lawyer defends her client in court.
She defends her decision by pointing to the recent sales data.
The general defends the border with a small but highly trained force.
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.