defended
verbUK /dɪˈfendɪd/
US /dɪˈfendɪd/
Kept someone or something safe from harm.
The brave dog defended the little kitten from the big crow.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Spoke up to support someone or something when others criticized it.
She defended her friend when the other kids said unkind things.
3. Fought to keep a place or position from being taken by others.
The soldiers defended the castle all night long.
4. In sports, tried to stop the other team from scoring.
Our team defended the goal really well in the second half.