bránit

Bránit is a Czech verb meaning to defend, shield, or protect against a threat. It can also mean to oppose or resist an attack, argument, or influence. The verb is transitive and usually takes a direct object in the accusative, and can be accompanied by prepositional phrases such as proti komu/čemu (against whom/what) or against a threat.

In the present tense, the forms are: já bráním, ty bráníš, on brání, my bráníme, vy bráníte, oni brání. The verb is imperfective, so it describes ongoing or repeated defense. Past tense forms align with gender and number: bránil (m), bránila (f), bránilo (n); bránili (m pl), bránily (f pl). A reflexive use, bránit se, means to defend oneself or to resist, as in bráním se útoku.

Bránit has several closely related terms. Chránit emphasizes protection from harm, while obránit can be used for defense or advocacy in a broader sense. The prefix zabra- in zabránit yields a perfective sense meaning to prevent. Obraňovat is a related noun form meaning defense, and obraný relates to defending, while obranář is a defender in some contexts.

Usage notes: bránit is common in everyday speech, sports (bránit branku), law, politics, and personal safety. It is often contrasted with zabránit (to prevent) and chránit (to protect from damage). Examples: Bráním své právo na volný názor. Země brání své hranice před útoky.

Etymology traces bránit to Proto-Slavic roots for protection and defense, with cognates in other Slavic languages.