defend (
http://definr.com/defend)
v 1: argue or speak in defense of; "She supported the motion to
strike" [syn:
support,
fend for]
2: be on the defensive; act against an attack [ant:
attack]
3: protect against a challenge or attack: "Hold that position
behind the trees!" "Hold the bridge against the enemy's
attacks" [syn:
guard,
hold]
4: fight against or resist strongly; "The senator said he would
oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!" [syn:
fight,
oppose,
fight back,
fight down]
5: protect or fight for as a champion [syn:
champion]
6: be the defense counsel for someone in a trial; "Ms. Smith
will represent the defendant" [syn:
represent] [ant:
prosecute]
7: state or assert; "He maintained his innocence" [syn:
maintain]