How Do You Spell DEFEND?

Pronunciation: [dɪfˈɛnd] (IPA)

The word defend has a clear phonetic transcription: /dɪˈfɛnd/. The first sound, /d/, is voiced, followed by an unvoiced /ɪ/ and the stress on the second syllable, /ˈfɛnd/. The ending of the word is also unvoiced, represented by the phoneme /d/. The spelling of the word is straightforward, with the letter "e" being used to indicate the short vowel sound in the second syllable while the letter "d" appears twice to show the voiced and unvoiced ending. Overall, defend is a great example of how following IPA phonetic transcription can help explain the spelling of English words.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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DEFEND Meaning and Definition

  1. Defend is a transitive verb that can encompass various meanings depending on the context. In general terms, defend refers to the act of protecting, safeguarding, or standing up for someone or something against a perceived threat, attack, criticism, or disagreement. It involves actively supporting or justifying a position, belief, or action, typically when it is being challenged, questioned, or attacked.

    When used in the context of physical safety, defend relates to taking measures or actions to shield oneself or others from harm, danger, or aggression. This can involve blocking or warding off an attacker, providing security or resistance, or engaging in combat or protection tactics.

    However, the term extend beyond the context of physical protection. In legal scenarios, it refers to the act of standing as an advocate or representative in support of a particular case, argument, or defendant in a court of law. To defend someone in this capacity entails presenting evidence, arguments, and rebuttals to counter the prosecution's claims or accusations.

    In the realm of ideas, defend is often used to denote the act of justifying, upholding, or explaining a viewpoint, theory, ideology, or concept against criticism, opposition, or skepticism. This can involve offering evidence, logical reasoning, persuasive arguments, or counterarguments to support the validity or worthiness of the defended position.

    Overall, the term defend encompasses a broad range of protective or supportive actions undertaken to maintain, preserve, safeguard, or justify someone or something against various threats, attacks, or challenges.

  2. To maintain or vindicate by force or argument; to secure against attack; to shelter; to cover; to guard; to resist or repel.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DEFEND *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DEFEND

Etymology of DEFEND

The word "defend" originated from the Old French word "defendre", which can be traced back to the Latin word "defendere". In Latin, "defendere" is a combination of two words: "de", meaning "from" or "away", and "fendere", meaning "to strike" or "to hit". Therefore, the literal meaning of "defend" is to strike away or to ward off an attack.

Idioms with the word DEFEND

  • defend sm with sth The idiom "defend someone with something" means to protect or support someone using a particular argument, evidence, or reason. It often refers to arguing in favor of someone's actions, beliefs, or choices by presenting relevant information or justifications to counter any criticism or opposition. It implies standing up for someone or something by offering defense or protection against any potential attacks or negative judgments.
  • defend (oneself or someone) with (something) The idiom "defend (oneself or someone) with (something)" refers to the act of protecting oneself or someone else using a particular tool, weapon, or method in order to ward off or repel an attack or threat. It implies taking measures to ensure safety or to safeguard against harm or danger.
  • defend someone with something The idiom "defend someone with something" means to protect or support someone by using evidence, arguments, or other means to prove their innocence or justify their actions. It implies standing up for someone's rights or position by providing a rational explanation or valid defense.
  • defend against The idiom "defend against" means to protect oneself, one's interests, or one's ideas from potential harm, attacks, or threats. It implies taking actions or measures to safeguard and maintain one's position or beliefs in the face of opposition or challenges.
  • defend (someone or something) against (someone or something) The idiom "defend (someone or something) against (someone or something)" means to protect or support someone or something by taking action against an attacker, opponent, or threat. It implies standing up for someone's rights or interests, or safeguarding an object or idea from harm, either physically or metaphorically.
  • defend sm or sth against sm or sth The idiom "defend someone or something against someone or something" means to protect or support someone or something from harm, danger, or criticism that is coming from someone or something else. It implies taking a stand or advocating for the person or thing being defended, in order to ensure their safety, well-being, or reputation.

Similar spelling words for DEFEND

Conjugate verb Defend

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have defended
you would have defended
he/she/it would have defended
we would have defended
they would have defended
I would have defend
you would have defend
he/she/it would have defend
we would have defend
they would have defend

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been defending
you would have been defending
he/she/it would have been defending
we would have been defending
they would have been defending

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would defend
you would defend
he/she/it would defend
we would defend
they would defend

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be defending
you would be defending
he/she/it would be defending
we would be defending
they would be defending

FUTURE

I will defend
you will defend
he/she/it will defend
we will defend
they will defend

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be defending
you will be defending
he/she/it will be defending
we will be defending
they will be defending

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have defended
you will have defended
he/she/it will have defended
we will have defended
they will have defended

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been defending
you will have been defending
he/she/it will have been defending
we will have been defending
they will have been defending

IMPERATIVE

you defend
we let´s defend

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to defend

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was defending
you were defending
he/she/it was defending
we were defending
they were defending

PAST PARTICIPLE

defended

PAST PERFECT

I had defended
you had defended
he/she/it had defended
we had defended
they had defended

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been defending
you had been defending
he/she/it had been defending
we had been defending
they had been defending

PRESENT

I defend
you defend
he/she/it defends
we defend
they defend

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am defending
you are defending
he/she/it is defending
we are defending
they are defending

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

defending

PRESENT PERFECT

I have defended
you have defended
he/she/it has defended
we have defended
they have defended

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been defending
you have been defending
he/she/it has been defending
we have been defending
they have been defending

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it defend

SIMPLE PAST

I defended
you defended
he/she/it defended
we defended
they defended

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Correct spelling for defend
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