The phrase "as if to defend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that seems intended to provide protection or justification for something.
Example: "She crossed her arms, as if to defend herself against the criticism."
Alternatives: "as though to protect" or "as if to justify".
Figures mingle and cross Pepto-Bismol-pink limbs as if to defend the picture plane from attack.
Ms. Rosenblit spends much of the duet topless, in gym shorts, on all fours or swatting the air as if to defend herself against imaginary flies.
John Oliver, a "Daily Show" correspondent and an Englishman, popped his head out from behind the curtain as if to defend the honor of his country.
As if to defend against anti-hedonist judgment, Mr. Winters also offers a series of notebook collages combining scientific and quasi-scientific imagery in Matthew Marks's small exhibition space at 502 West 22nd Street.
After receiving the unsolicited tape, the F.B.I., as if to defend itself from the sickening mistake of watching it just once, issued a simple statement, beautifully reasonable: "Daniel Rudolph's decision to maim himself is regrettable and totally unexpected".
As if to defend its military effort, the outgoing JTF spokesman told the world that the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, had just been killed.
He wrote they have got themselves into a position of authority and almost feel as if they have to defend it.
Although real Assassins did kill people, it's best to ONLY use your skills as an Assassin to defend yourself if you're being attacked.
Pelfrey arrived in spring training feeling good and strong, as if he were ready to defend himself against speculation that he was due for a drop-off this season.
Looking along the sights of his shotgun, Solovev took casual aim across the Geyser River, as if he had something to defend.
It would seem as if the Marcelli united to defend their supposed patronal rights to the inheritance of the sons of freedmen against the claims of the gens; for the law of the Twelve Tables gave the inheritance of a freedman only, who died intestate and without heirs, to his patron, and not the inheritance of the son of a freedman.
