Verbs

(v)defend, support, fend forargue or speak in defense of“She supported the motion to strike”
(v)defendbe on the defensive; act against an attack
(v)defend, guard, holdprotect against a challenge or attack“Hold that position behind the trees!”, “Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks”
(v)fight, oppose, fight back, fight down, defendfight against or resist strongly“The senator said he would oppose the bill”, “Don't fight it!”
(v)champion, defendprotect or fight for as a champion
(v)defend, representbe the defense counsel for someone in a trial“Ms. Smith will represent the defendant”
(v)maintain, defendstate or assert“He maintained his innocence”