defender

Senses

1. 1.

   to defend

   to protect someone or something from attack or harm

2. 2.

   to defend

   to argue in support of an idea, position, or thesis

3. 3.

   to defend

   to represent and advocate for someone in legal proceedings

4. 4.

   to advocate for

   to stand up for or support a cause or rights

Examples

• "O advogado vai defender o réu no tribunal."

  The lawyer will defend the defendant in court.

• "Precisamos defender nossos direitos como cidadãos."

  We need to defend our rights as citizens.

• "O goleiro defendeu três pênaltis na partida."

  The goalkeeper saved three penalties in the match.

Usage

Common verb used across contexts: physical defense, sports (especially soccer - "defender uma bola"), legal contexts, and defending ideas/theses. The reflexive "defender-se" means "to defend oneself." Often followed by "de" (defender-se de algo/alguém).