[dɪˈfɛnd], (Verb)

Definitions:
- resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger
(e.g: we shall defend our island, whatever the cost)

- conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit
(e.g: he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners)

- (in sport) protect one's goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one's opponents
(e.g: they were forced to defend for long periods)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French defendre, from Latin defendere, from de- ‘off’ + -fendere ‘to strike’. Compare with offend