| verb | argue or speak in defense of “She supported the motion to strike” |
| verb | be on the defensive; act against an attack |
| verb | protect against a challenge or attack “Hold that position behind the trees!” |
| verb | fight against or resist strongly “The senator said he would oppose the bill” |
| verb | protect or fight for as a champion |
| verb | be the defense counsel for someone in a trial “Ms. Smith will represent the defendant” |
| verb | state or assert “He maintained his innocence” |
| defender | noun | a person who cares for persons or property |
| defence | noun | the justification for some act or belief |
| supportive | adjective | furnishing support or assistance |
| support | noun | aiding the cause or policy or interests of |
| supporter | noun | someone who supports or champions something |
| defensible | adjective | capable of being defended |
| defensive | adjective | intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack |
| fight | noun | an intense verbal dispute |
| fighter | noun | someone who fights (or is fighting) |
| opponent | adjective | characterized by active hostility |
| opposition | noun | the act of hostile groups opposing each other |
| opposer | noun | someone who offers opposition |
| champion | noun | a person who backs a politician or a team etc. |
| defendant | noun | a person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused |
| representation | noun | the act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf |