verteidigen

To repel an attack, threat, or attempt, with emphasis on active resistance.

To protect or shield from harm; a more general verb than "verteidigen".

To preserve, maintain, or uphold something; not about physical defense, but about keeping something intact.

To excuse, pardon, or apologize; it does not mean to defend against an attack.

To justify an action or decision; the focus is on explaining why something is acceptable or valid.

To give reasons or justify something logically; it relates to argumentation, not defense.

To shield off, screen, or protect from external influence; often used for physical or technical protection.

To preserve, keep safe, or prevent loss; emphasis on protecting something valuable.

Past tense form of "verteidigen": he/she defended.

Noun: defense; refers to the act or system of defending, not the verb itself.

Protector; a person who defends someone, not the act of defending itself.