GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Defend , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defended; p. pr. & vb. n. Defending.] [F. défendre, L. defendere; de- + fendere (only in comp.) to strike; perh. akin to Gr. θείνειν to strike, and E. dint. Cf. Dint, Defense, Fend.]
    To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel. [A Latinism & Obs.]
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   Th' other strove for to defend
   The force of Vulcan with his might and main.
   Spenser.
   
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   To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
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   Which God defend that I should wring from him.
   Shak.
   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.
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   The lord mayor craves aid . . . to defend the city.
   Shak.
   
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   God defend the right!
   Shak.
   
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   A village near it was defended by the river.
   Clarendon.
   
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   (Law.) 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.
   Burrill.
   Syn. -- To Defend, Protect.  To defend is literally to ward off; to protect is to cover so as to secure against approaching danger. We defend those who are attacked; we protect those who are liable to injury or invasion. A fortress is defended by its guns, and protected by its wall.
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   As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it.
   Is. xxxi. 5.
   
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   Leave not the faithful side
   That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects.
   Milton.
   
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