defend

transitive verb | de·fend

1. : to take action against attack or challenge not justified in striking first, but may defend

   : to take action against attack or challenge not justified in striking first, but may defend

2. : to present a defense may not thereafter defend on grounds of insanity —W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

   : to present a defense may not thereafter defend on grounds of insanity —W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

3. : to deny or oppose the rights of a plaintiff in regard to (a suit or claim) intend to defend the case