defend someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defend someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of supporting or protecting someone from criticism or harm. Example: "In the debate, she chose to defend someone who was being unfairly attacked for their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It answers the question so many people asked me when I was a public defender: How can you defend someone you know is guilty?

The New Yorker

It takes considerable bravery to defend someone accused of blasphemy.

The Economist

But if it is a crime to defend someone, then the law does not exist".

The New York Times

"If I say I'll defend someone, that person unburdens his soul to me," Mr. Freedman said.

The New York Times - Arts

It includes his father and uncle, upright men in caps prepared to die to defend someone else's freedom.

The Guardian - Books

While Republicans were disinclined toward anyone nominated by Mr. Obama, Democrats were not eager to rally to defend someone who worked for Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When I defended someone charged with murder, no one searched my closets for skeletons.

The New York Times

When I defended someone charged with a drug crime, no one accused me of using narcotics.

The New York Times

In any case, defending someone from prejudice does not entail endorsing their every belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

I say: Dylan Farrow's accusation is that you publicly defended someone who molested her.

The Guardian - Film

When I defended someone charged with raping a baby, no one thought I might have raped my own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defend someone" in legal contexts, ensure you are accurately portraying the legal obligations and ethical considerations involved.

Common error

While "defend someone" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in extremely casual conversations where simpler terms like "support" or "help" might be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend someone" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an action performed by an individual or entity to protect another from harm, criticism, or accusation. Ludwig shows this usage in numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defend someone" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies protecting or supporting a person from criticism, harm, or accusation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While alternatives like "stand up for someone" or "support someone" exist, "defend someone" carries a specific nuance of actively shielding someone from attack. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, though overuse in extremely casual conversations should be avoided. Its primary function is to express support or justification for another person, often in response to perceived injustices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stand up for someone

Emphasizes taking a public and active role in supporting or protecting someone, often against opposition.

Protect someone

Focuses on shielding someone from harm or danger.

Support someone

Highlights providing assistance or encouragement to someone.

Advocate for someone

Implies actively promoting someone's cause or rights.

Stick up for someone

An informal way of saying to defend or support someone, especially when they are being criticized.

Come to someone's defense

Highlights the act of intervening to protect someone from criticism or attack.

Look out for someone

Focuses on ensuring someone's well-being and safety.

Uphold someone

Implies maintaining someone's reputation or position.

Shield someone

Emphasizes protecting someone from negative consequences or scrutiny.

Champion someone

Suggests passionately supporting and promoting someone's achievements or qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "defend someone" in a sentence?

You can use "defend someone" to describe the act of protecting or supporting a person against criticism, attack, or harm. For example, "She decided to "defend someone" who was being unfairly accused."

What are some alternatives to "defend someone"?

Alternatives to "defend someone" include "stand up for someone", "protect someone", or "support someone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to agree with someone to "defend someone"?

No, you don't need to agree with someone to "defend someone". You can defend their right to express their opinion, even if you disagree with the opinion itself.

What's the difference between "defend someone" and "support someone"?

"Defend someone" often implies protecting them from criticism or attack, while "support someone" is a broader term that can refer to providing assistance, encouragement, or resources.