Defend
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To ward off, repel (an attack or attacker). To prevent, to keep (from doing something). To prohibit, forbid. To ward off attacks from; to fight to protect; to guard. To support by words or writing; to vindicate, talk in favour of. To make legal defence of; to represent (the accused). To focus one's energies and talents on preventing opponents from scoring, as opposed to focusing on scoring. To attempt to retain a title, or attempt to reach the same stage in a competition as one did in the previous edition of that competition.
Example sentence: Nationalism can be a destructive force when it promotes intolerance and division. But it can also be a force for good, when it seeks to defend local autonomy against the homogenizing forces of larger entities.
Guard
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To protect from some offence (specific or abstract.)
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a person (or thing) who protects or watches over somethingA squad responsible for protecting something.a part of a machine which blocks access to dangerous partspanel of a car which encloses the wheel area, especially the front wheels.A relatively short player, playing farther from the basket than a forward or center.The position on the popping crease where a batsman makes a mark to align himself with the wicket (see to take guard)The offensive positions between the center and each of the offensive tackles. The main responsibilities of the guard is to protect the quarterback, and open up "holes" through which offensive players can run. There are two guards on the field at once.A player playing a position named guard(railways) An employee who normally travels in the last vehicle of a train and is responsible for the safety of the train
Example sentence: We must guard against disrespectful, disparaging, and criticizing thoughts. We must try to practice reverence and devotion in our thinking at all times.