defend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here, you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "defend crossword clue". We help you complete your puzzle with ease and accuracy, no matter the word length.
Solutions for "defend crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEND: To ward off or repel, often used in phrases like 'fend off'.
5 Letters
GUARD: To protect someone or something from harm or damage.
6 Letters
SHIELD: To protect or conceal with or as if with a shield.
UPHOLD: To confirm or support something that has been questioned.
7 Letters
PROTECT: To keep safe from harm or injury.
9 Letters
VINDICATE: To clear someone of blame or suspicion, or to show or prove to be right, reasonable, or justified.
More About "defend crossword clue"
The clue "defend" in crosswords often points to synonyms related to protection, resistance, or advocacy. Depending on the context and the number of letters in the answer, it can range from a simple act of warding off to a more formal act of upholding a belief or person. Common interpretations involve physical protection (like 'guard' or 'shield') or a more abstract sense of supporting an idea or individual (like 'uphold' or 'advocate').
Understanding the nuances of "defend" can be crucial. For instance, 'fend' usually implies a more active, often solitary effort to keep something away, while 'protect' is broader. When solving, always consider the flow of the surrounding words in the puzzle and if the clue suggests a passive or active form of defense. Long answers like 'vindicate' typically imply defending someone's reputation or actions, clearing them of wrongdoing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For a clue like "defend," think of all its possible synonyms (guard, protect, shield, advocate, uphold, resist) and sometimes even antonyms if the clue has a tricky negative connotation.
- Check letter count carefully: The most important hint in a crossword is often the number of letters. Use it to narrow down your options significantly, as seen with our categorized answers for "defend."
- Look for context and wordplay: Is the clue part of a phrase? Is it a pun or a double entendre? "Defend" could sometimes refer to a legal defense (e.g., 'plead' or 'argue for'), so be open to different interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly find answers for 'defend' in crosswords?
To quickly find answers for 'defend', consider synonyms like 'protect', 'guard', 'shield', 'fend', or 'uphold'. Also, pay attention to the number of letters required for the solution. Our page categorizes answers by length to make your search easier.
What's the difference between 'defend' and 'protect' in crossword clues?
While 'defend' and 'protect' are often interchangeable, 'defend' can imply active resistance against an attack or challenge, while 'protect' might imply keeping something safe from harm without necessarily facing an active threat. In crosswords, context and letter count are key to choosing the correct synonym.
Why do some clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword clues can have multiple answers because many words are synonyms or have slightly different nuances that fit the clue depending on the specific puzzle's theme or constraints. The differing lengths account for the variety of spaces available in different crossword grids. Always check the number of letters provided in the clue.