[] to protect sb/sth against an attack or harm防御；保护；保卫◆The firm is prepared to defend (itself) against a hostile takeover bid.这公司做好准备保护自己免遭敌意收购。◆They have been struggling to defend market share.他们一直在努力捍卫市场份额。 [] to say or write sth in support of sb/sth that has been criticized辩解；辩白◆They have defended their decision to close the plant.他们对关闭工厂的决定进行辩解。 () [] to resist a legal claim that is brought against you抗辩◆You need to inform the court if you intend to defend the claim.你必须通知法院是否打算对这项索赔进行抗辩。 () [] to act as a lawyer for sb who has been charged with a crime进行辩护；当辩护律师◆She hired one of the UK's top lawyers to defend her.她请了英国一位顶级律师为她辩护。