Collocations for defend - verb
1. protect against attack
PREP.
against
PHRASES
heavily defended
The city was heavily defended against attack.
The city was heavily defended against attack.
2. support
ADV.
fiercely, hotly, robustly, staunchly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, vigorously
The company has strenuously defended its decision to reduce the workforce.
The company has strenuously defended its decision to reduce the workforce.
publicly
PREP.
against
She defended her department against accusations of incompetence.
She defended her department against accusations of incompetence.
3. in sport/competitions
ADV.
successfully
PREP.
against
The champion successfully defended his title against the American challenger.
The champion successfully defended his title against the American challenger.