verb (v)

• argue or speak in defense of(verb.communication)

  Synonym:
  fend for, support
  

  source: wordnet30
• be on the defensive; act against an attack(verb.competition)

  Antonym:
  assail, attack
  

  source: wordnet30
• protect against a challenge or attack(verb.competition)

  Synonym:
  guard, hold
  

  source: wordnet30
• fight against or resist strongly(verb.competition)

  Synonym:
  fight, fight back, fight down, oppose
  

  source: wordnet30
• protect or fight for as a champion(verb.competition)

  Synonym:
  champion
  

  source: wordnet30
• be the defense counsel for someone in a trial(verb.social)

  Example:
  Ms. Smith will represent the defendant.
  

  Synonym:
  represent
  Antonym:
  prosecute
  

  source: wordnet30
• state or assert(verb.communication)

  Synonym:
  maintain
  

  source: wordnet30
• To ward or fend off; to drive back or away; to repel.(verb)

  source: webster1913