verb
-fends; -fended; -fending
to fight in order to keep (someone or something) safe :to not allow a person or thing to hurt, damage, or destroy (someone or something) [+ obj]
usually + against
[+ obj] :to fight or work hard in order to keep (something, such as a right, interest, cause, etc.) from being taken away
[+ obj] :to speak or write in support of (someone or something that is being challenged or criticized)
sports :to try to stop opponents from scoring [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to compete in order to try to keep (a title, championship, etc.)
[+ obj] :to work as a lawyer for (someone who is being sued or accused of a crime)