feel defended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel defended" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone expresses a sense of security or protection, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "After hearing her supportive words, I finally felt defended against the criticism."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Her dissection made Helen laugh and feel defended, full of gratitude.

The New Yorker

They certainly don't feel defended.

Huffington Post

It must have felt incredibly remote; even now it retains an insular feel, defended as it is by beetling cliffs that attract rock climbers from all over the country.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But to score 50 points against a Wales side who I felt defended pretty well - we can be well pleased with that.' But England fans disappointed by the 50-10 win over Wales need not worry too much.

The Guardian - Sport

The paradoxical effect of all this pampering was to make him feel fortified, defended, ready for trouble.

The New Yorker

You feel very defended as well and protected by it".

Huffington Post

Politicians feel that defending the crucifix amounts to defending Italian identity and culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't feel comfortable defending my clothes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, I strongly feel that defending its users' and customers' right to strong encryption in court is incredibly important.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wenger said he felt Arsenal defended poorly and that his team were under pressure even at 3-0 up.

The Guardian - Sport

I haven't brought it up with her because she doesn't take criticism well, and I don't feel like defending myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel defended", consider if a more common alternative like "feel protected" or "feel secure" might be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "feel defended" in highly formal or academic writing; it can sound awkward or unnatural. Opt for more conventional phrasing like "feel protected" or "feel secure".

Linguistic Context

"Feel defended" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective experience of protection or support. It combines the verb 'feel' with the past participle 'defended', indicating a state of being protected or shielded. As Ludwig AI says, it's not the most common expression but its purpose is clear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel defended" is grammatically acceptable but not very common in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI points out, it may sound awkward, and alternatives like "feel protected" or "feel secure" are often preferred. The phrase expresses a sense of security or justification. While it appears in various contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, its usage is infrequent. Therefore, when writing, consider whether a more standard alternative would enhance clarity and naturalness. The expert rating reflects the phrase's grammatical correctness and source authority, balanced against its relatively inconsistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel protected

Direct synonym replacing 'defended' with 'protected', emphasizing safety.

feel secure

Focuses on a sense of safety and stability, similar to being defended.

feel safe

A simpler way to express a sense of being free from danger.

feel reassured

Highlights the comfort and confidence gained from external factors.

feel supported

Emphasizes the presence of assistance and encouragement.

feel justified

Shifts focus to being right or vindicated in one's actions.

feel vindicated

Highlights being cleared of blame or suspicion.

feel empowered

Focuses on gaining strength and control, often in challenging situations.

feel confident

Expresses a sense of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.

feel bolstered

Highlights being strengthened or supported, often emotionally.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel defended"?

To "feel defended" means to experience a sense of protection, security, or justification, often in response to perceived threats or criticism. However, it's not a very common expression; alternatives might be clearer.

What can I say instead of "feel defended"?

You can use alternatives like "feel protected", "feel secure", or "feel safe" depending on the specific context. These options are more commonly used and widely understood.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel defended"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it may sound somewhat unusual or awkward to some native English speakers. Other options are often preferred.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feel defended"?

The phrase "feel defended" might be appropriate when emphasizing a sense of being shielded or advocated for, particularly in situations involving criticism or attack. However, consider whether a more common alternative better suits your audience and purpose.