Defend /(dē̇*fĕnd")/

De·fend

Defend

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Defended; p. pr. & vb. n. Defending

  1. To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel. [A Latinism & Obs.]
    Th' other strove for to defend The force of Vulcan with his might and main.
  2. To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs.]
    Which God defend that I should wring from him.
  3. To repel danger or harm from; to protect; to secure against attack; to maintain against force or argument; to uphold; to guard; as, to defend a town; to defend a cause; to defend character; to defend the absent; -- sometimes followed by from or against; as, to defend one's self from, or against, one's enemies.
    The lord mayor craves aid . . . to defend the city.
    God defend the right!
    A village near it was defended by the river.
  4. To deny the right of the plaintiff in regard to (the suit, or the wrong charged); to oppose or resist, as a claim at law; to contest, as a suit. (Law.)
    As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it.
    — Is. xxxi. 5.
    Leave not the faithful side That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects.