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defending

[/dɪˈfendɪŋ/]
verb (gerund/present participle)
defendendo
1. protecting someone or something from harm, attack, or criticism
The goalkeeper is defending the goal.
O goleiro está defendendo a baliza.
2. supporting or arguing in favor of a person, idea, or position
She is defending her thesis before the committee.
Ela está defendendo sua tese perante a comissão.
3. acting as a lawyer for a defendant in court
The attorney is defending the accused.
O advogado está defendendo o acusado.
4. in sports, playing a position to prevent the opposing team from scoring
The team is defending well this season.
O time está defendendo bem esta temporada.
Synonyms
protectingguardingshieldingsafeguardingsupportingupholdingjustifying
Antonyms
attackingcriticizingopposingabandoningbetraying

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
defendendo
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
defendendo
commonly used with emphasis on protecting
São Paulo
defendendo
standard formal usage
Portugal
defendendo
same usage; may also use 'defender' as gerund in some contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

defending one's corner
defending the faith
defending turf
stand one's ground while defending
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