defend (oneself or someone) with (something)
To use something to protect (someone or something) against a physical attack. When John realized that a burglar was in the house, he tried to defend himself with a baseball bat. I tried to defend myself with a beer bottle, but I just ended up gashing my hand when the bottle smashed. A: "Hey, it's just me, it's just me! Whoa, were you really going to defend yourself with a lamp?" B: "Well, I thought you were breaking in, and it was the first thing I could grab!"
defend (someone or something) against (someone or something)
1. To protect (someone or something) against a physical attack. We will most certainly defend this castle against any invaders, my liege. I have a big dog, and I know he would defend me against any ne'er-do-wells on the street. As a politician, you'll need a security guard to defend you against any irate constituents.
2. To argue in favor of someone or something in the face of opposition. How do you plan to defend him against such incriminating evidence? How am I supposed to defend my son against this security cam footage? They captured him robbing the store, clear as day. As usual, I'll have to defend my veganism against critiques from my family when I go home for Thanksgiving.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
defend someone or something against someone or something
1. to stand against an attack; to provide a defense against attack. Don't worry, I will defend you against any muggers. We defended ourselves against the attack. The army defended the town against the enemy soldiers.
2. . to advocate the cause of someone or something against someone or something else. The lawyer defended her against the plaintiff. She defended the company against the suit.
defend someone with something
to repel danger from someone with something. Here, defend yourself with this club. Mary defended herself with karate.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.