defender
“defender” means “defend” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
defend, protect
Also: guard
📝 In Action
El perro defiende la casa de los ladrones.
A2The dog defends the house from thieves.
Los soldados defienden la frontera con valentía.
B1The soldiers defend the border bravely.
advocate, uphold
Also: stand by
📝 In Action
Ella siempre defiende los derechos de los animales.
B2She always advocates for animal rights.
El abogado defendió la inocencia de su cliente en el juicio.
C1The lawyer defended his client's innocence in the trial.
Debemos defender nuestra postura en la reunión.
B2We must uphold our position in the meeting.
defend oneself, stand up for oneself
Also: fend for oneself
📝 In Action
Si alguien te ataca, tienes que defenderte.
B1If someone attacks you, you have to defend yourself.
Aprendió a defenderse de las críticas desde joven.
B2She learned to stand up for herself against criticism from a young age.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: defender
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish sentence correctly uses the stem-changing form of 'defender' in the present tense for 'I'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *defendere*, which literally meant 'to ward off, repel, or protect.' It has carried the same core meaning of protection and advocacy throughout its history.
First recorded: Pre-10th century (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'defender' always irregular?
Only in the present tenses (present indicative, present subjunctive, and imperative) does it have the 'e' to 'ie' stem change. In the preterite, imperfect, and future, it is completely regular.
What is the difference between 'defender' and 'proteger'?
'Defender' usually implies an active response against a threat or an argument (like fighting back). 'Proteger' is often more general and means 'to keep safe' (like protecting food from the sun).