defend it from

USAGE SUMMARY

'defend it from' is a correct usage of English, and can be used in both written and spoken contexts.
Example sentence: "We must defend it from all sorts of threats to our security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

If maintaining and strengthening our most fundamental social unit is truly as important to us as our recent national dialogue suggests, perhaps our Presidential candidates should spend less time opining about how to define it, and more time developing a plan to defend it from its most aggressive and universal predator.

HuffPost

"I think his power just evaporates". The army has long been revered in Pakistan, a nation that counts on its armed forces to defend it from a hostile, militarily superior neighbor to the east, India.

The Washington Post

Although Sihanouk calls him "a valet" of the Vietnamese, Hun Sen believes his Government has earned legitimacy through its efforts to rebuild the nation and defend it from the Khmer Rouge.

The New York Times - Magazine

If a customer was admiring an Oreocereus celsianus (commonly known as the old man of the mountain), she would learn before leaving the store that it comes from the high Andes, and that its fluffy mop of white hair evolved to defend it from the sun and the snow.

The New Yorker

"Our greatest duty to our country is to defend it from foreign attack".

The New York Times

Venetians have always had to conquer land from the lagoon and defend it from the sea.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

As The Archive's champion, he not only defended it from its critics but also advised the student editors and published three anthologies of its work.

Duke University

David Hilbert defended it from its critics by famously declaring: "No one shall expel us from the Paradise that Cantor has created".

Wikipedia

In 1986 he became a so-called white knight for CBS, buying a quarter of its shares and defending it from the clutches of would-be raiders such as CNN 's Ted Turner and Republican Sen. Jesse Helms Jesse Helms.

Forbes

Batkid can now watch over Gotham City at all times, defending it from evil and inspiring its citizens to stand up for justice.

Huffington Post

Green, who headed the park commission, nudged the Greensward plan into the winner's circle, defended it from meddlers, kept it on budget and expanded its acreage and vision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defend it from", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to and what the source of the threat or attack is. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

While acceptable, "defend it from" can sometimes sound less formal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "protect it against" or "safeguard it from" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend it from" functions as a verb phrase where "defend" is the verb, "it" is a pronoun referring to something needing protection, and "from" introduces the source of the threat. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defend it from" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the act of protecting something from a perceived threat. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, media, academic, and wiki contexts. While versatile, consider the formality of your writing; alternatives like "protect it against" might be more appropriate in certain formal settings. Remember to clearly identify the 'it' and the source of the threat for maximum clarity. The phrase effectively communicates a need for active safeguarding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect it against

Emphasizes shielding from potential harm or attack.

shield it from

Implies creating a barrier to prevent exposure or impact.

guard it against

Suggests vigilance and active defense against a threat.

safeguard it from

Highlights measures taken to ensure its safety and preservation.

preserve it from

Focuses on maintaining its current state and preventing damage.

secure it against

Indicates actions taken to make it safe and resistant to threats.

fortify it against

Implies strengthening it to withstand potential attacks or hazards.

preserve it from

Focuses on maintaining its integrity and preventing degradation.

uphold it against

Suggests actively supporting and maintaining its position against opposition.

maintain it against

Implies a sustained effort to protect it from negative influences.

FAQs

What does "defend it from" mean?

The phrase "defend it from" means to protect something from harm, attack, or unwanted influence. It implies taking action to prevent damage or negative impact.

How can I use "defend it from" in a sentence?

You can use "defend it from" to describe efforts to safeguard something valuable. For example, "The nation's military is responsible to defend it from foreign threats".

What are some alternatives to "defend it from"?

Alternatives to "defend it from" include "protect it against", "shield it from", or "safeguard it from". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "defend it from" and "protect it from"?

While similar, "defend it from" often implies a more active or forceful approach to preventing harm, while "protect it from" can encompass a broader range of preventative measures. For practical purposes, both sentences are interchangeable.