/defenˈdeɾse/
#4188 of 5,000 Core 5000
Translation
to defend oneself
Word origin
From Latin defendere ('to ward off'), from de- plus the root fendere ('to strike'). The same root gives English 'defend' and 'offend'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- defendere
- English cognates
- defend, offend
Grammar
Verb type-er reflexive (e>ie)
ReflexiveYes
Examples
.
He learned to defend himself from a very young age.
.
The accused has the right to defend himself.
críticas.
She defended herself bravely against the criticism.
defienden depredadores.
Animals defend themselves from their predators.
discusión.
He did not know how to defend himself in that argument.
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Go to my review queueThis word is part of lesson 84.