Defend

v.resilient, kindeveryday

Meaning 1

Keep a person, place, or principle safe from harm or loss.

Reach for it when describing active protection when something valuable is threatened

Local volunteers formed a line to defend the young trees from grazing cattle.

everyday
protect
when preventing harm is the direct aim
not when Protection may be passive or preventive, while defend usually answers an active threat.
professional
guard
when watchful presence keeps a place or person secure
not when Guarding does not necessarily involve resistance or advocacy.
literary
shield
when placing a barrier between someone and harm is the image
not when Shield can imply hiding a person from consequences they should reasonably face.

Give reasons or evidence in support of someone or something challenged.

Reach for it when standing up for a person, idea, or right against criticism

The editor returned to the meeting to defend the reporter's careful work.

everyday
support
when practical or emotional backing matters more than opposition
not when Support can be quiet agreement and need not answer any challenge.
warm
champion
when enthusiastic public advocacy will advance the cause
not when Champion suggests promotion beyond the responsive, evidence-based act of defending.
formal
uphold
when a rule, right, or principle must remain in force
not when Uphold fits standards better than defending a person's reputation.
formal
vindicate
when evidence clears blame or proves a position right
not when A defense can be honorable without succeeding, while vindicate implies the case was proved.

defend a community
Residents organized to defend a community from illegal dumping.
defend a right
The association will defend a right that protects every tenant.
defend a decision
Nadia used the survey data to defend a decision others had questioned.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.