resisting an attack made on someone or something; protecting from harm or danger

the defending forces were met by a wall of enemy gunfire

conducting the case for the party being accused or sued in a lawsuit

the defending lawyer pleaded for acquittal

(in sport) protecting one's goal or wicket rather than attempting to score against one's opponents

a free kick awarded to the defending team in their own penalty area

resist an attack made on (someone or something); protect from harm or danger

we shall defend our island, whatever the cost

conduct the case for (the party being accused or sued) in a lawsuit

he is a lawyer who specializes in defending political prisoners

(in sport) protect one's goal or wicket rather than attempt to score against one's opponents

they were forced to defend for long periods